With delicate management, Clarke can be a powerful asset for Cameron
Peter Hoskin 9:13am
What's my take on the return of Ken Clarke? Hm. I guess it's summed up by four-and-a-bit words: let's wait and see. A wishy-washy response, I know, but so much depends on whether Cameron's got himself Clarke the Angel or Clarke the Devil that it's hard to talk about success or failure in advance. Apparently, Clarke's assured the Dave they he'll be angelic - that he won't stir up a storm over Europe, that he won't deal out economic prescriptions that contradict the party line - but will the most rebellious Tory MP in the Commons be able to change his spots? Possibly. But it's going to require some delicate man-management from Cameron.
Given the way in which Clarke's been unveiled to the press, it seems that the delicate management is in full swing already. Briefing the news on Sunday evening - before the rest of the reshuffle has been announced - has ensured that the standout recruit gets some prominent coverage. But the story's soon going to be swamped by news of today's banking bailout and tomorrow's inauguration of Barack Obama; which, in turn, means that any response from Labour - any 'Mandelson delighted to see return of Clarke' stories - won't have time to gain proper traction. I expect it will be an impossible task to quell all the 'Europhile Clarke' and 'Clarke the VAT cutter' mischief, but CCHQ's certainly made as good a start as possible.
As for the rest of the reshuffle, stay tuned to Coffee House for updates throughout the day.
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luke
January 19th, 2009 9:26am Report this commentThe most important thing about how this has been announced is that they set it up to do it at Osborne's house.
The biggest risk is not europe, but rather that his return diminishes osborne.
I think they have recognised that already (hence all the spin about doing it at osborne's house).
But the question is, what comes next?
Short the UK
January 19th, 2009 10:29am Report this commentJust watched him on SKY, he is a brilliant attack dog. I'm so happy he is back. This is a fight for national salvation. Come on Big Ken take 'em down!!!!!!!!
Kevyn Bodman
January 19th, 2009 11:51am Report this comment'three-and-a-bit words:let's wait and see.'
Linguists might debate whether 'let's' is one word or two, I suppose.But I wouldn't tune in for that debate.
I would, however, expect 100% agreement that 'wait and see' total/totals 3 words.
So 'let's wait and see' does not/do not add up to three-and-a-bit.
More seriously now, I do not share the enthusiasm for Clarke.He comes across to me as smug, patronising and a bit of a verbal bully.
I doubt the extent of his appeal to ordinary people, people who don't come to websites like this one, but clearly Tory Europhiles love him, as do broadcasters.He makes their life easier.
Pete Hoskin
January 19th, 2009 12:15pm Report this commentKevyn Bodman: you're right - I meant four-and-bit words! Was worryingly decaffeinated when I wrote this earlier. It's corrected now...
DM
January 19th, 2009 12:24pm Report this commentHe'll be the Tory media darling for a while and that's fine as he is effective as a big hitter, with gravitas and experience and more importantly up against Mandelson in a dirty game.
What Cameron does with him after an election is anyone's guess.
chris
January 19th, 2009 3:02pm Report this commentWait and see. ( I reckon Ken has taken this on to do the stuff as an attack dog since he can't stand this dreadful so-called government any less that we all do.) GET AT THEM KEN!!
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