One of the reasons Tories lost the last two general elections was that they were perceived to be out of touch with modern society.

The typical Tory, white, elderly and middle class, did not represent the bulk of Britain today.

Now the party in Brighton is seeking to rectify this with an event next month.

Several top Conservatives have agreed to attend the evening along with members of the gay, lesbian and transgender community in the city.

There will be no preaching and no politicking. But it will prove Tories in the city are prepared to reach out to communities they have generally shunned.

Similar overtures could be made to the ethnic minorities and to youngsters in Brighton and Hove.

The last election proved many people have been turned off politics, not only the Tories but also the other main parties.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats could also take a leaf out of the local Tories' book and try to appeal more to groups other than traditional voters.