Leading article: Self-inflicted wounds and the need for a clear vision

There is no disguising the fact that the past month has been pretty torrid for the Conservative Party and, especially, for its leader David Cameron. A series of ill-judged and amateurishly handled announcements have provoked the first stirrings of dissent against Mr Cameron's leadership from within Conservative ranks.

First came the grammar schools debacle. When the shadow Education Secretary, David Willetts, made a speech stating that there would be no return to a grammar school system under a future Tory administration, it was intended to emphasise the party's support for city academies. Instead it unleashed a noisy backlash from Tory backbenchers. Next came a speech from George Osborne in which the shadow Chancellor argued that Mr Cameron, rather than Gordon Brown, is the natural heir to Tony Blair. Coming at a time when many people are looking forward to seeing the back of Mr Blair, this boast was poorly timed. It also did nothing to soothe those Tories concerned that their party is ditching its principles. Then came this weekend's row over the re-imposition of museum entrance charges, sparked by a foolish suggestion from the shadow Culture Secretary.

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These incidents have given an impression of a party that is still struggling to find its place. Yet just as damaging as these self-inflicted wounds has been the fact that a political opportunity has been missed. The Labour contest for the deputy leadership has opened up political space as the various candidates seek to appeal to rank-and-file activists and - quite rightly - to raise issues such as tax, housing and inequality. The Tories should have capitalised upon this. Instead, their infighting and about-turns have caught the headlines. The tortuously drawn-out departure of Mr Blair has been another squandered opportunity. Mr Cameron should have used this bizarre period of limbo to seize the political agenda. The Tory leader's speech in south London yesterday was a bold attempt to do so. And his co-opting of the term "progressive" from the clutches of the left is a clever move. But for all its cleverness, the speech's timing left only the impression of a leader seeking to reassert himself.

The danger for the Conservatives is that the party's fortunes lie so heavily on the shoulders of Mr Cameron. His appealing demeanour and fresh approach is the main reason the Tories have improved in the opinion polls. The public remains sceptical, with good reason, over the extent to which he has moulded the party in his own image. And the events of the past month have underlined the distance that his party has still to travel. If the Cameron bubble bursts, the Tories would suddenly find themselves in serious trouble.

Mr Cameron needs to demonstrate that he is in control of his party. He must also show that, behind the charm, lies real substance. This does not mean rushing out policies. If they are not thought through properly this would do more harm than good. And, in truth, there is the danger that Mr Brown is likely to appropriate them for himself if he likes the look of them. But Mr Cameron needs to show that he is more than just a personable figure; he must demonstrate that he is someone with both the strength and the vision to be a leader of this country. And his party, if it ever wants to return to government, needs to grow up and recognise the electoral realities of 21st century politics.

Mr Cameron is entering a defining period. The honeymoon is over and he will soon face the formidable Mr Brown directly for the first time. This was always going to be a testing moment for the Tories. But Mr Cameron's job of setting the terms of the political debate is now that much harder. If he does not turn back the trickles of dissent, they could yet turn into a tide of despair.