If we have a lot of work to do in the North of England then we have a great deal more to do in Scotland. I am of course talking about changing people’s perceptions of the Conservative Party. David Cameron has done a lot in this regard but sadly that effect has not been felt in Scotland.
As my profile points out I currently live in Clydebank (somewhere that is anything but prime Conservative territory). However it was not until I attended the Dumbarton West by-election last Thursday that I realised the extent to which we are still reviled by many. I was standing outside one of the polling stations, about 30 minutes before the polls closed, chatting with three other Conservatives and a member of the SNP when a woman approached with her daughter. It was evident that she had spoken with the SNP campaigner earlier in the day and assured him that they had her vote; she then looked directly at me and said “don’t worry, I won’t be voting for scum like that”. Her voice was filled with venom and her expression one of hatred.
She I fear is representative of many people across Scotland. Accordingly we face an incredible challenge, but it is one we must face with stout resolve and a willingness to listen to peoples concerns.
