Michael Fallon to replace Lord Ashcroft as Tory deputy chairman
Peter Hoskin 4:47pm
So says Benedict Brogan, who rightly describes this as a "smart
appointment":
If the idea is to deploy Fallon as a minister for the Today programme, then he could well add some necessary punch to the government's economic message. He has been consistently forthright, and persuasive, on the subject of cuts."Mr Fallon is being brought in to CCHQ to help Lady Warsi, who has not so far succeeded in establishing herself as a media voice for the Coalition. Mr Fallon is an adept media performer (and a regular and fluent commentator in the Telegraph – would more politicians could write like him). My sense is that this is much more about creating an unofficial minister for the Today programme, available at all times to go into the studios and defend the Government or duff up the Opposition, or both. Those who wondered as we approached Tory conference what Dave was doing to give the Tory side a stronger voice will be applauding him tonight."
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Chuck Unsworth
September 22nd, 2010 4:58pm Report this commentIs Fallon bloody-minded enough?
Tim W
September 22nd, 2010 5:02pm Report this commentWhy not make him a Treasury Minister?
TrevorsDen
September 22nd, 2010 5:36pm Report this commentTim W - there is a coalition - there are a limited number of places available.
Tim W
September 22nd, 2010 5:55pm Report this commentTrevorsDen - I am surprisingly aware there is a coalition. You should be aware that there were 3-4 Conservatives chosen as Treasury Ministers after the election. While I am in no way disappointed by his appointment as Deputy Chairman, I would have liked to have seen either Michael Fallon or John Redwood as one of the Treasury Ministers. Both are very able to offer good advice to the Chancellor and his Chief Secretary, both of whom have no economic background at all. In fact, whilst I fully agree with the appointments of Osborne and Alexander in their roles in the circumstances, I'm sure everyone would agree that neither would have those roles if it were based on understanding of the job alone. More to do with that both were effectively Chief of Staff to Cameron and Clegg.
Robert Taggart
September 22nd, 2010 5:55pm Report this commentReplace ?... do the party members not have any 'say' ? !
Edward McLaughlin
September 22nd, 2010 8:16pm Report this comment"...to help Lady Warsi, who has not so far succeeded..."
At what stage does 'not so far succeeded' become 'failed'? Usually before someone else is put in to 'help'.
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