What exactly is the purpose of the Tory party?

When I heard that the Tories invited Polly Toynbee to become their new guru, I thought that April 1st had come early. David Cameron must be congratulating himself on his latest coup, I think he's out of his mind.

When Labour decided to ditch Clause IV and embrace Thatcherism 12 years ago, it all made sense. Tax and spend policies were widely discredited and Labour had a stark choice, to reform or die. But the Tories aren't being faced with the same dilemma. Despite Labour's higher taxes and spending spree, public services are getting worse, and the Government's record on law and order is appalling. All of which are very good reasons for not adopting their policies (or their gurus).

Dumping your idealogical baggage is a good idea is your idealogy is past its sell by date. But adopting the discredited ideology of your opposite party in order to win votes is a cheap marketing trick that won't wash with the electorate. Voters may well conclude, better the devil you know than the devil you don't, and vote for the government, at least you know what they stand for.