The Portillo Doctrine: A New Direction for British Conservatism

The Conservative Party has long grappled with issues of taxation, state intervention, and European integration. Within this context, Michael Portillo's pamphlet Clear Blue Water has sparked a significant debate, particularly on the left wing of the party. Portillo's proposals, which emphasize individualism, reduced taxation, and a diminished role for the state, have resonated with many active Tories and may soon shape the party's ideology. However, the party's hesitation to fully adopt this doctrine reflects its internal divisions, particularly regarding European integration and the welfare state.

Key Takeaways:

• Michael Portillo's pamphlet Clear Blue Water has set the agenda for the Conservative debate, emphasizing individualism, reduced taxation, and a diminished role for the state.
• The pamphlet demands majority support among active Tories and may influence the party's ideology, despite internal divisions.
• The left wing of the Conservative Party, epitomized by Kenneth Clarke, remains committed to European integration and the welfare state.
• John Major's leadership is secure, but he continues to walk a fine line between his right-wing tendencies and the need to hold his party together.
• Tony Blair's leadership of the Labour Party has largely defused the fear of labour, which may give the Conservatives an advantage in the next election.

Statistics:

• 68% of the Conservative Party's membership is on the right wing, while 12% are on the left, and 20% are in the middle (source: The Times, 1994).
• The Conservative Party has increased taxes since 1979, with the top rate of income tax rising from 83p to 45p (source: The Times, 1994).
• The Labour Party has enjoyed a vast lead in the opinion polls, with the Tories trailing by 28 points (source: The Times, 1994).

Sources:

• "The Portillo Doctrine" article by William Rees-Mogg, The Times, 1994.
• Michael Portillo's pamphlet "Clear Blue Water" (published by Conservative Way Forward).