Ashcroft's Influence on Conservative Policy

Ashcroft's influence on Conservative policy has been marked by his strategic positioning and vocal criticism of the Coalition government. As the owner of ConservativeHome and PoliticsHome, he has utilized these platforms to amplify his views and criticisms, particularly regarding the Coalition's approach to key issues such as Europe, welfare, education, and taxation. Journalist Peter Oborne has noted that Ashcroft played a pivotal role in shifting Conservative policy further to the right, which he argues has hindered the Coalition's effectiveness. This shift has been characterized by a departure from Cameron's initial philosophy of liberal conservatism, leading to a more fragmented political landscape where the two parties in the Coalition no longer appear to be working in unison. Ashcroft's 'megaphone presence' in the online media has allowed him to rally support for his views and critique the Coalition's policies, contributing to a growing divide within the party and impacting its overall direction.