What the Conservatives can learn by reading those comments in the Sun

I hope David Cameron's aides read the Sun online.

If they see the comments posted on this report it should convince the PM it's the right decision to ditch plain packaging.

As my colleague Angela Harbutt writes elsewhere, "Readers are virtually unanimous in their opposition to plain packs - very very interesting!"

UKIP may be getting all the headlines today but here is evidence, if evidence is needed, that David Cameron - or his advisors - are not as out of touch with ordinary people as many would have us believe.

Far from provoking a public backlash, the general public has either welcomed the report or they are completely indifferent. It's certainly not going to cost the Conservatives (or even the Lib Dems) votes.

Unfortunately the Sun's report that Cameron had decided not to pursue yet another nanny state diktat came far too late to influence the local election results.

While immigration and Europe are bigger issues for many people, UKIP's success suggests that the nanny state is also on the agenda.

If the Conservatives want to win back some of the votes they have lost to Nigel Farage's party I suggest they abandon any thought of effectively nationalising a popular consumer product, whether it be tobacco, alcohol or convenience food.

Instead they need to demonstrate - with actions not words - that they reject the nanny/bully state consensus that has gripped Britain over the past decade and offer voters a clear choice.

People aren't stupid. They know UKIP will struggle to win a seat in a general election. They know too that a vote for UKIP could cost the Conservatives any chance of a majority.

But the Tories have to give people a positive reason to vote for them. Relying on the fact that they are 'not Labour' is not enough.