Professor Tim Bale writes about Brandon Lewis’ appointment as Conservative Party chairman, following yesterday’s cabinet reshuffle. He argues that the state of the Tory grassroots might not be easily resolved by top-down solutions in reshuffles. “Parties, like businesses, are complex organisations, prone to an inertia that is both cultural and institutional”, he writes. “Anyone who hopes that the new chairman can swiftly turn things around by knocking a few heads together and making a few inspiring speeches is in for a big disappointment. Let’s hope Mr Lewis appreciates just how hard his new job is going to be.”
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