David Cameron's Big Idea

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0120120108When David Cameron became the Conservative leader in 2005, he memorably declared There is such a thing as society; it's just not the same as the state.

Steve Richards presents a three-part series telling the story behind that famous phrase, tracing David Cameron's vision of a reformed state and a Big Society from the early days of opposition to the reality of government.

The first programme explores the period from the beginning of Cameron's leadership in 2005 to the decision to place the Big Society at the heart of the 2010 general election campaign.

Through interviews with Cameron's friends and advisers, such as Danny Kruger, Ian Birrell and David Willetts, and with critics such as Polly Toynbee and Maurice Glasman, the programme shows how the idea was formed and how it was tested, even in the early days.

We go back to the discussions among excited young politicos at Policy Exchange and the dinner tables of Notting Hill. We recall key moments such as the presentation of the Big Society idea in 2009 and the decision to place that theme at the heart of the Conservative general election campaign the following year, a plan which was later heavily criticised.

We show how the idea was difficult to pin down and explore the different versions of the Big Society which emerged.

And we examine the impact of the financial crash, revealing the tensions which surfaced between David Cameron and George Osborne.

Producer: Leala Padmanabhan.

Steve Richards tells the story of David Cameron's quest to reform the state and society.

Steve Richards explores David Cameron's vision for the state and society

0220120115When David Cameron became the Conservative leader in 2005, he memorably declared There is such a thing as society; it's just not the same as the state.

Steve Richards, of The Independent, presents a three-part series telling the story behind that famous phrase, tracing David Cameron's vision of a reformed state and a Big Society from the early days of opposition to the reality of government.

From the early days of his leadership campaign, David Cameron and his advisers were working on bold ideas which they said would reshape the state, decentralise power and strengthen society. From 2009 onwards the phrase The Big Society was used to describe these ideas.

In the second episode, Steve follows the tricky journey of the Big Society idea through the 2010 election campaign, in which it played a pivotal role. He talks to critics who claim the theme contributed to the Conservative failure to secure a majority.

He explores the role the idea played in the formation of the coalition and traces the rollout of a bold reform package based on the Big Society vision. Many were surprised by the speed at which the fledgling coalition government rolled out radical reforms in education, health, local government and welfare. How was this possible? What was the role of the Liberal Democrats? And, what early signs emerged of trouble ahead?

Interviewees include the former No 10 Director of Policy, James O'Shaughnessy, and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander.

Producer: Leala Padmanabhan.

Steve Richards examines the 2010 election campaign and the roll-out of bold reforms.

Steve Richards explores David Cameron's vision for the state and society

0320120122When David Cameron became the Conservative leader in 2005, he memorably declared There is such a thing as society; it's just not the same as the state.

Steve Richards, of The Independent, presents a three-part series telling the story behind that famous phrase, tracing David Cameron's vision of a reformed state and a Big Society from the early days of opposition to the reality of government.

From the early days of his leadership campaign, David Cameron and his advisers were working on bold ideas which they said would reshape the state, decentralise power and strengthen society. From 2009 onwards the phrase The Big Society was used to describe these ideas.

The Big Society became the basis of an ambitious programme for government which the Conservatives were able to present with the help of the Lib Dems, who shared some of the same ideas.

In episode 3, we trace what has happened to this programme of policies since, exploring the political and practical difficulties which have occurred along the way.

And we ask what the future holds for David Cameron's big idea. Will it continue to be his self-proclaimed driving mission?

And what lasting impact will his ideas have on the state and society in Britain?

Interviewees include the former no 10 Director of Policy, James O'Shaughnessy, and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander.

Producers: Martin Rosenbaum and Leala Padmanbhan.

The struggles and obstacles as the government tries to roll out its bold reforms.

Steve Richards explores David Cameron's vision for the state and society