The Liberal Democrat conference highlighted stresses and strains within the coalition. Yet, whilst this sideshow of irrelevance fed media lust, did the Tories tighten their grip on government? The star chamber, that body devoted to the bloodletting of the red line, has been beefed up wit Caroline Spelman and Eric Pickles. Both are viewed as enthusiastic cutters and austerians. Apart from Danny Alexander not one Liberal Democrat has made a seat though, given the opposition of Fox and IDS, the room will mainly deal with Tory on Tory action.
The star chamber has been negotiating cuts for months but will now become a final court (of appeal, if you are an optimist) for the ministers who wish to feed the maw.