IT is generally accepted - even among politicians - that public confidence in politics is at its lowest ebb.

And that comes down to trust. People find it harder and harder to put their faith in politicians because of the spin culture they have cultivated. It is seen as a political skill to be able to sidestep questions and controversy so that the truth has become difficult to detect.

We believe the electorate craves a brand of politics that is straight, honest and transparent. And if the Tories are to become a credible alternative government, that is the path we urge them to take.

It is not surprising that David Cameron, the favourite to land the Tory crown, has repeatedly dodged the question about whether he took drugs in his youth.

His advisors no doubt take the view that it would be a grave mistake to open the door on his private life, to which he, like everyone else, has a right.

But would it really have been so terrible if he had taken drugs as a student and admitted his mistake? Would people have turned against him, or given him credit for answering a straight question with honesty, having learned the error of his ways?

We would venture to suggest that people are generally prepared to accept mistakes as long as the perpetrators hold up their hands.

And we also believe that the refreshing change of a politician responding to a difficult question with straightforward honesty might prove rather appealing.