One of the things about Cameron on Cameron is that it provides journos with a bank of quotes from the Tory leader, on more topics than you could care to think of. Accordingly, then, I flicked through it, looking for some words on Andrew Lansley, whilst writing my earlier post. There’s only one relevant entry in the index and it took me to this exchange:
[Dylan Jones:] Sell me your Shadow Cabinet. What’s so brilliant about it?
[David Cameron:] Our Cabinet is so much stronger than theirs. David Davis (Shadow Home Secretary) is quite clearly so much stronger than Jacqui Smith. Or look at Liam Fox (Shadow Secretary of State) against Des Browne. There’s just no comparison. Andrew Lansley knows more about the NHS and how it works that any Labour Health Secretary. Michael Gove (Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families), a very bright guy with two kids, is clearly the right guy for the job. Up against Ed Balls. Balls has an incredibly high opinion of himself but he really isn’t as good as he thinks he is. Not by a long chalk. Party chairman Caroline Spelman is clearly the best woman for the job. George Osborne is a better Chancellor than the tragic figure who is performing the same role for the Labour Party. William Hague is one of the most dedicated, most intelligent and one of the most experienced politicians in Parliamanent. Every member of the Shadow Cabinet has something to offer, and I would put them up against their opposite number in a flash.
It’s hardly inspiring is it? Little more than “x is better than their opposite number” repeated again and again and again…
So here’s the challenge: pick four people that you’d like to see in a Cameron Cabinet and sell them to us. They could be current members of the shadow Cabinet, Tory backbenchers, or – if you’re feeling more creative – they could be non-politician, government-of-all-the-talents types. Why do you think they are the best for the role? What qualities and experience do they have that would help them in government? You can use as many, or as few, words as you need. And a spot of humour won’t go amiss.
In a week’s time, we’ll pick out the best effort, and send its author a bottle of champagne from the Coffee House cellar.
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