Political commentators seemed surprised when Jesse Norman revealed himself to be a reactionary when he voted against the coalition over Lords Reform. There was little doubt in my mind after research last year, prompted by the assertion that he originated the concept of the "Big Society" within the Conservative Party.
Jesse Norman's "Compassionate Conservatism" (82-page pdf) is a deeply Thatcherite document. For instance, trade unions are part of the big society, yet Norman approves their breaking-up. TUs provide support over and above welfare.
It seems to me that the true compassionate conservatism of such as Michael Heseltine and James Prior has been swept aside by Thatcher's children, and that the "Big Society" has been hijacked by HM Treasury.
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