Fifteen years ago an election night at Conservative Central Office was marked by donors and politicians watching the results come in to the sound of champagne corks popping and a general party atmosphere.
Last night Conservative Campaign Headquarters was the heartbeat of an efficient business machine auditing the results coming in from its branches across the country. Undoubtedly there was a sense of elation, but the primary function was cool calm professionalism.
I was standing watching results arrive with Francis Maude when the result came in for Edgbaston, the ward for which I had been election agent on seven occasions. PPC Deirdre Alden secured the best result since 1992, with a majority of 1517. On that basis I suggested that we could expect to win at least four seats from Labour in Birmingham. By the end of the night it was six seats, a result that justified Eric Pickles' call for 200 wins by the time counting finishes. But even as the results came in last night we did not dare to dream that the gains might be of the magnitude that are now declared.
Some in politics will gloat that Labour had it coming. Its been clear to me from banging on doors and meeting voters across the country over recent weeks that people from every background feel really let down and disappointed by Gordon Brown and the Labour government. Last night some were suggesting headlines for the Prime Minister of "from Mr Bean to Mr Has Been". But we have to be careful. We Conservatives know what its like to lose. It hurts, you don't quite believe it for a while, and it takes time to listen, to reflect and to change. Labour is a resourceful Party and I've no doubt that there are many within it who are charting a new course that will be a real challenge for the revitalised Conservatives.
To every Conservative councillor who was elected and re-elected last night, congratulations. Your hard work, enthusiasm and dedication has paid off. And to those who just missed out such as Gary Sambrook in Kingstanding Birmingham, where last year we were in a poor third place almost beaten by the BNP, but this year we were second only losing by 70 votes, well done, keep your eyes on the prize and in two years time the election will be yours.
For now we can celebrate what are the best set of council results in my lifetime with wins right across the country in every region. But we also know that this is the time for delivery, for the establishment of sound, responsible, innovative, efficient Conservative government in our towns and cities, as well as across the shires. Britain has come to trust the Conservatives again giving us a striking opportunity to truly practice what we preach. The real challenge will be to deserve to retain the legacy that the May 2008 election results offer.
When the BBC predicted a 44% share of the vote for the Conservatives a whoop did go up - and was immediately reported by Tim Montgomerie on ConservativeHome. But those of us in CCHQ were also calm in the reflection that the big result will be declared today in London. If Boris does win the Conservatives will govern the greatest and most influential city in the world. Leading up to the Olympics, everyone knows what an opportunity and challenge that will be.
