New 1952 Committee Member.

Stephen Robinson in the Torygraph:

The Tories have failed to see that this debate is about much more than a piece of plastic. It is about our attitude to government, and its attitude to us. I would not expect New Labour to understand that point, but if the Tories do not understand it either, there is no point in someone like me voting for them any more.
In selfish terms, I was relieved to see Michael Howard take the easy way out and endorse ID cards, because it freed me of any sense that I should have to vote for his party. No longer will I have to profess enthusiasm about Tory policies, or pretend that I see the green shoots of a Conservative revival.
For the first time I shall vote for the Liberal Democrats, because they do understand that the identity card debate is about the just role of government, and I suspect tens of thousands of instinctive Conservatives will do the same next year.

It sounds like the 1952 Committee might have a new member. John? May I suggest that you drop an email to Mr Robinson and inform him of his opportunity? From past experience he does tend to respond.
Oh, and add me to the list of course. I’m in the process of registering at present for an absentee ballot...I can’t bring myself to vote for the odious Don Foster but shall find some other non-Tory non-Labour party to vote for, deciding closer to the time when I see what the list of options is like.