The News agenda is being absolutely dominated. David Cameron has given a speech on Social Breakdown and knife crime, George Osborne has given one on tax policy, new plans have been unveiled to reward people who recycle today. Last month we had a drive to show what the Conservatives would do with the NHS, and just before that there was a focus on education. Whatever you think about their policies and proposals, it’s becoming tougher and tougher to suggest that they don’t have any.

Bringing these things out in the open is a risky strategy. It has been said many times that the Tories don’t want to bring their policy details forward for fear of them being stolen by the Labour Party. So what has changed? Well, Gordon Brown’s position has changed, that’s what. Talk of ousting Brown was nothing more than idle fantasy last month – this month it’s starting to gain some weight of feeling behind it. He’s got till November, the dark whispers in darker corners seem to be saying. Even Harriet Harman might be better.

At the Conservative Party conference in Autumn 2007, the theme was one of coming out fighting in readiness for a General Election. Proposals appeared left, right and centre. It was the first time anyone other than close followers of the Conservatives had gained more than an inkling of the sorts of things we could expect from a Cameron-led government. It was risky, but brilliantly effective in getting Brown to back down.

The Tories are back on maneuvers. The Labour Party won’t be able to change leaders again without setting a date for an election, and Cameron wants to be certain that his party is ready in time. If the Tories are really lucky, they might even be able to scare the government into keeping Brown in place.