Cameron corrects an error
James Forsyth 12:36pm
David Cameron’s decision to move Dominic Grieve from Home to Justice shows that he is capable of rectifying his own mistakes, an important quality for leader. Grieve was appointed in a panic, in an effort to shut down the story when David Davis resigned over 42 days. It was apparent at the time that Grieve was not the man for the job; Nick Herbert would have been a far better pick.
Chris Grayling will bring his phenomenal work-rate to the job. The Home Office is still not fit for purpose and one can be certain that Grayling will be terrier-like in uncovering scandals. However, Grayling will have to avoid acting up to Tory stereotypes. Grayling will also have to be prepared for a fight on the ECHR in government. Grieve has infamously threatened to resign over the issue and Ken Clarke is a supporter of it, but securing various opt-outs, and if necessary leaving, is crucial to serious criminal justice reform.
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jamest
January 19th, 2009 12:47pm Report this commentWont the ECHR respnsibility sit with grieve at justice?
Praguetory
January 19th, 2009 12:48pm Report this comment"However, Grayling will have to avoid acting up to Tory stereotypes."
Like what? What are you talking about? Chris naturally comes across as intelligent, determined yet reasonable.
I don't find that pretending not to be a Tory is an appetising way forward. We can beat Labour by being who we are and telling it how it is.
Spare Us
January 19th, 2009 12:50pm Report this commentWouldn't it be easier if Michael Gove just posted this anti-Grieve stuff himself?
Mark
January 19th, 2009 1:39pm Report this commentBeing anti the ECHR is just silly. It is the politics of opposition, not of government.
This series of posts by Mr Forsyth is most unimpressive.
C Powell
January 19th, 2009 2:11pm Report this commentAt the risk of sounding like a broken record on this, what will Grayling say or do about Labour's erosion of our civil liberties and freedoms? Will he be as robust on ID cards as DD was? Will he cancel Contactpoint? Will he oppose the proposal to spy on all our emails/web traffic/phone calls? etc etc.
If not, what - really - is the point of voting Tory?
Kevyn Bodman
January 19th, 2009 2:58pm Report this commentAlthough I usually like to try to add something new to a discussion, or approach it from a different angle, I can't do that for C Powell's comment above because it is so comprehensively correct.
But it is so important that I do want to echo it.
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