EXACTLY a year ago today, Witney MP David Cameron became leader of the Conservative Party.

It has been a busy year for the Witney MP. He also turned 40, was voted the world's sexiest politician by readers of New Woman magazine, became a father for the third time.

The honeymoon is over, that is for sure.

DC or Dave, as he has become better known, has made the Tories interesting - the number of column inches is testimony to that - but is there any substance beneath the numerous policy reviews his party has published?

The latest Mori opinion poll (research carried out between November 9 and 14) shows that, of those certain to vote, 35 per cent would back the Tories, 33 per cent would vote Labour, and 20 per cent Lib Dem.

However, the satisfaction ratings - although generally good news for Mr Cameron and the Conservatives - shows the hard work starts now.

West Oxfordshire Conservative Association vice-president, Martin Cornish, said: "I am, in general terms, happy with the way things have gone over the last year. It seems to me the party is united, and is daily becoming more electable at national level.

"There is clearly a very able team in place - although not yet tested in power - and a feeling of being in touch with many people's ideals. My only real negative is the 'A' list candidate selection. I think this is retrograde, centrist and will in the end prove to be a waste of time and effort. However, on a positive note, I am pleased with the way the emphasis on thinking has moved to more compassionate and people-orientated policy ideas.

"A telling moment for me was when David said 'No one could have prepared me for this' on seeing the situation in Darfur. It is refreshing to hear someone shocked by a crisis rather than mouthing the normal platitudes about enquiries and action plans.

"The younger end of the party and the public seem to have warmed to David, which is an area we have been anxious about for years. All we have to do now is maintain the momentum. The process of studying hard before committing to specific policy is the right thing to do. Precisely why there is a clamour to publish a detailed manifesto when there is no election in sight is beyond me."

Oxford City Labour councillor Tony Gray, who stood against Mr Cameron at last year's general election, said: "For Witney, the new leadership of the Conservative Party has meant its geographical expansion to Notting Hill, where the local MP now resides."