The Crisis in Conservatism

Are Tory divisions temporary or symptomatic of deeper problems?

Parliament has broken up for the summer, and the last week has seen Conservative cabinet ministers engaging in open warfare. But are the divisions a temporary crisis, or are they symptomatic of deeper problems in the party? David Aaronovitch speaks to a range of experts and goes beyond the future leadership jostling to see what's really causing the current political climate.

He hears from a former adviser to David Cameron who says the Tories are facing an existential threat if they can't win over the under 40s. He then hears from a panel of experts on what policies are needed to lure in younger voters.

CONTRIBUTORS

Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London

Lord Andrew Cooper, former director of strategy to David Cameron

Laura Gardiner, senior research and policy analyst at the think tank The Resolution Foundation

David Skelton, director of Renewal – a campaign group to broaden the appeal of the Conservative party to working-class and ethnic minority voters