Allan Smith

A week is a long time in politics and finally the public has been able to witness what the Tories will bring to government - nothing.  After watching the Conservative party conference this week I have to say no-one will be fooled by the hot air delivered by George Osborne and David Cameron.  Osborne in particular looked particularly clueless and his promise to cut services will hit the most vulnerable - and won't reduce any family's bills.  It certainly is not the time for a novice.

The Tories promise to peg council tax increases to 2.5 per cent but haven't we heard all that before? I seem to remember in 2003 a local Tory promise to refund taxpayers by £40 but five years on I certainly haven't received it.  Slashing a billion pounds from council budgets will put vital programmes at risk at a time when our communities need councils to work on their side.

When pressed for answers the Tories just leave more questions and I'm certain the public is starting to see through Cameron's PR charade. Will they help those who need it the most?  The answer is a resounding no.