Like most of my colleagues, I suspect, I have been chased by the press for my reaction to the Eastleigh byelection. Clearly, I, again like most of my colleagues, am disappointed at coming third. I congratulate Ukip for a remarkable achievement. I was not surprised by the result, I must say. I did think at one time that Ukip might even win the seat. The message to us is clear: you tinker with our core values and we will repay you in kind. The lack of Conservative 'narrative' for the past three years hasn't helped, either. I appreciate we are in a Coalition, but that shouldn't prevent the leadership from promoting Tory values, principles and aims. These are simple to understand and based on the freedom of the individual and they cannot be 'modernized' or watered down to please focus groups or anyone else who mistakenly thinks we should re-invent ourselves to escape the so-called 'nasty party' image, which was an ill-judged comment at a time the Party was in a mess. I have to add that cutting our respected armed forces has been extremely corrosive and added to the sense of despair among our supporters. The modern politician fails to understand the added value of placing young men and women in uniform. Yes, they cost money to employ, train and house, but they are instilled with a sense of service which stays with them for the rest of their lives, enriching our country in a way that is impossible to place a value on. That is the Conservative way, a way which wins elections and lasts the test of time.