Outside the inner circle

It’s the complaint that won’t go away for the Cameroons.  We’ve had an article by Andrew Rawnsley; a letter allegedly written by Tory backbenchers; and, now, a column by Rachel Sylvester in today’ Times: all making the point that David Cameron relies, perhaps too much, on a “clique” of close advisers, strategists and friends.  The Sylvester article contains some hard-hitting observations from Tory figures, who are disgruntled at being left on the sidelines:

“One senior Tory claims that Mr Cameron has never had a group meeting with any of the frontbench departmental teams… …Tory backbenchers are remarkably grumpy given the state of the polls and last week’s by-election win. Shadow Cabinet ministers complain about the lack of teamwork, the absence of political discussion and the failure to consult before decisions are made. It is said that Mr Cameron is so used to having his friends around him that he will not listen to those who tell him something he does not want to hear.