Blair's heir? It is a mark of just how effectively Tony Blair has set the British political agenda that David Cameron should so readily accept this description of his desired direction. His closing speech to the Conservative conference this week was suffused with references to governing Britain more effectively than the Labour Party but within the same political values. Blairism without Blair is one apt description of Mr Cameron's performance. It recalls Margaret Thatcher's reply, when asked what was her greatest legacy: "Tony Blair".
Mr Cameron has his job less than a year and presumably has three more during which to define his political agenda more closely. For the moment he has set himself the task of repositioning Conservative values away from the rump Thatcherism of low taxes, hostility to the welfare state and euro scepticism which has alienated British voters over three successive elections. At this conference he and his leadership team refused to support cutting taxes. They endorsed the welfare state and environmental sustainability. On Europe, however, they were studiedly silent.
Mr Cameron has fully absorbed the criticism that unless his party is perceived to be anchored on the centre ground of British politics, voters will not switch to it. So far so good is one valid assessment of his success. Opinion polls show a surge of support for his party not seen for many years.
This convergence towards the centre throws up three major questions to dominate British politics. Has David Cameron the political substance to sustain the change? Is his party's softer image politically credible or mostly a public relations exercise? And how will Labour's leaders respond to such a reconfigured opposition over the next three years?
Judged by his performance this week Mr Cameron has shown a determination to hold to his chosen course and some skill in selecting appropriate themes to deepen it. He is playing a long game, the first part of which is not yet complete. He has time to develop more substance and looks capable of it.
But while he easily saw off the Thatcherites this week, large sections of his party remain committed to expanding private markets and reducing state involvement, not to mention the widespread eurosceptism. These are battles yet to come.
As for Labour's attitude, much will depend on who succeeds Tony Blair. Mr Cameron's success makes it more risky, but more interesting, for them to choose Gordon Brown.