Propeller-Head Wonk Watch: Word reaches Guido that the “Third Way” think-tank Demos is not going to the party conferences.

They claim that the returns do not justify the costs. There have been consistent rumours that Demos has funding difficulties – which they deny. Frankly given how much taxpayer’s money is diverted to Demos, Guido doubts they are on the verge of bankruptcy. Guido has heard that as much as a third of their income is from taxpayers rather than voluntary donations .

Demos has a problem in that it seems to be on an intellectual ramble with no clear direction. Which does not mean it doesn’t come up with occasionally interesting ideas, just that it no longer has a cutting ideological edge. Financial backers can’t be sure what they are getting for their money. So they understandably don’t give.