Ahead of the next general election it is time for Conservative values to be spelt out, loud and clear. I fear that in recent years they have been submerged under a welter of tactical initiatives that have reduced the clarity of what Conservatives stand for.

Firstly, it must be understood that Conservatives are tolerant of a wide range of views and are seen as a broad church. But underpinning these views is essentially a strong moral back bone.

Conservatives guiding principles include the promotion of private property and enterprise, the maintenance of a strong military, and the preservation of traditional cultural values and institutions.

We seek to improve the quality of life for everyone through a dynamic economy, where thriving businesses create jobs, wealth and opportunity.

We support a strong society, where our families, our communities and our nation create secure foundations on which people can build their lives.

We want the young person to strive for success, at school, leading to the first job and onwards. We want that person to build on that success and start a company, to employ other young people and to create wealth.

We celebrate people owning their own homes. We see competitive sport as good. We champion hard working people. We do not see limits to people’s success. We celebrate personal success.

We believe that a low tax economy is better than a high tax one. We think that people should be trusted to spend their own money better than the state can.

We believe in small government not a large one. State intervention should be targeted to act as a safety net of last resort not as a life style choice.

We see personal responsibility as a good thing.

And if all the above works out the tax that is taken can care for the elderly, the frail, the disabled and those that fail. A great place to live.