It’s an uncanny coincidence that the very same day I visit York to discuss campaign strategies for Julian Sturdy, our leader David Cameron launches the Party’s Campaign North. How neat is that, talk about great minds thinking alike. 
Julian is naturally delighted with this, his York Outer constituency is a new seat created as a result of boundary changes and we need to win it to help secure a Conservative government.
Despite our Party’s flagging support north of Watford, which will be debated on Newsnight tonight, I am delighted we are forging ahead in this direction and not only focusing on “winnable” seats. Every single vote is precious.
Winning votes in the north is a major facing Conservatives. The figures do not make comfortable reading. The fact is that in 1970 we won 62 seats in the north, today, we hold 19.
We need to connect (my favourite word) with them, with all our voters throughout the country. It’s going to be tough, but we are facing the problem head on and, as Cameron says succinctly, we can never aspire to office unless we represent communities in every part of Britain.
How achievable do you think this is? How can we can win back our much needed northern electorate? Will the many failings of this government be enough to persuade them to vote Conservative?
And btw, I did have to stand on my outward journey to York, and for much longer than the half hour which the government’s head of railways spokesman believes is acceptable. Julian is pictured with supporters Bill, Ben, Andrew and John.
