Such votes as there are to the Conservatives’ right at the next election will coalesce around the Perennial Pretender, under whatever standard, or not at all.
When push comes to shove, what will matter will be whether or not the arrivals stop – or at least that the voters believe that the Prime Minister really wants to halt them and is sparing no effort.
Warmed-over Thatcherism and self-serving, Lib Dem-flavoured constitutional reform talk is no foundation for a breakthrough.
The new Home Secretary wants to uphold traditional British means of maintaining liberty and the rule of law.
The UKIP leader spotted the opportunity to attack the pious Establishment from a reactionary rather than a progressive direction.
But beware, Prime Minister: there is no divine right of parties any more than there was a divine right of kings.
Voters at this week’s by-election in Old Bexley and Sidcup are angry with the Prime Minister, but do not appear to have settled on anyone better.
Plus: my interview with Richard Tice. Can he keep the Conservative Party honest?
The centre isn’t where he or ConservativeHome or anyone else wants it to be. It’s where it is – “Far From Notting Hill”.
Farage urged everyone to prepare for a second referendum, and concluded: “Next time, as far as I’m concerned, it’s no more Mr Nice Guy.”