Shadow Minister says Brown 'bottled it'

Government's fortune has reversed says Gove

After a brief honeymoon period with the British people Gordon Brown is now perceived as cynical, Michael Gove, Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families told Sevenoaks Conservatives.

He was speaking at a special Association event attended by more than 70 members at Squerryes Court in Westerham recently.

Michael said: "Brits are prepared to give people a fair go and Gordon Brown exploited this. He was portrayed as having a different approach to public life. He was 11 points ahead in the polls."

Brown allowed Ed Balls to let speculation run about a possible general election but when the Conservatives moved ahead in the polls, Brown 'bottled it'.

Michael added: "And there was something else. Brown went to Iraq to steal the Conservative's thunder at their conference and this was perceived as unfair play. And he announced that troops were going home. Then we discovered that some were already home."

Brown was guilty of hubris and acted in his own interests first.

Michael added: "It is our job as politicians to serve and not to manipulate. David Cameron has all the qualities of good leadership, he has equanimity and calmness under fire. Cameron is in touch with the modern world and knows about people's problems.

"He is a substantial and well rounded figure and people will listen to him. The Inheritance Tax was a tax too far and people agreed. His proposed measures on Stamp Duty was to help young people to get on the housing ladder.

"What is crurcial about about these two announcements is that they showed Conservatives are about morality. People realised that Conservatives are not just about self interest as we have been portrayed. We want to offer opportunities for all," Michael said

He told members that Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon  was his guide and mentor in the House of Commons adding: "He is a first rate MP and you are so lucky to have him."

On Roger Gough, Kent County Councillor for Darenth Valley, he said: "Roger has a pentrating mind and is one of the most intersting and nicest people in politics. I hope to see him in the House of Commons.

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 Meet Dan Hannan MEP

Crockham Hill Conservatives have organised an open meeting with Dan Hannan MEP for the South East Region. Dan writes for the Daily Telegraph and is known for his entertaining and challenging speeches.

He will be at Crockham Hill Village Hall on Friday November 16  at 7.45pm for 8.15pm

For more information contact Crockham Hil Branch Chairman Tom Brown on 01732 866326 or e-mail:tily2brown@amserve.com