Andrew Coyne wrote a very interesting article in the latest issue of The Walrus on how the Conservative Party can save itself.  It's likely not going anywhere, regardless of the leader it elects, but Coyne goes to the heart of what ails most political parties these days.

None have any coherent set of principles underlying their policy positions.  None can answer the questions, "What does it mean to be a member of the <insert name of party here>?" or "What is the purpose of the <insert name of party here>?"  A sad state of affairs.