Wombles composer pens Tory poll hit

Wombles composer Batt sets a tune for the Tories

The man behind the Wombles' musical success and the all girl string quartet Bond has written the Conservatives' election campaign theme music.

Mike Batt's Heartlands theme was launched on Monday to provide the musical backdrop to the Tory election efforts.

Labour has already named Lighthouse Family hit Lifted as its theme and the Liberal Democrats will use a cover version of Stephen Gateley's Time For A New Beginning.

The new composition, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, is a departure from tunes penned by Andrew Lloyd-Weber for the previous two campaigns.

Music of pride

A party spokesman said the music "embodies the musical traditions of our United Kingdom and it conveys a very Conservative sense of pride in our country".

"It reflects the straightforwardness and common sense of the themes of the party's policies and has been especially composed by Mike to embody the core values and basic principles of the party."

Mr Batt wrote the hit Remember You're A Womble, making it appropriate that Heartlands was launched alongside the local election manifesto which included promised crackdowns on litter and graffiti.

He also wrote and produced Bright Eyes, the hit theme song from Watership Down, launched violinist Vanessa Mae and co-created all-girl string quartet Bond.

Shared values

Mr Batt said: "I wanted my music to reflect that deep national pride which has always characterised Britons of all political persuasions but which seems more cherished by Conservatives these days.

"I wanted the music to have gravitas, to be orchestral but also modern - to have compassion and warmth of spirit, but at the same time, strength of purpose."