David Cameron’s move to neuter the 1922 has been pulled off with great tactical
skill. He sprung the move on the party and then called an instant ballot, denying any rebellion time to gather strength. But however tactically smart this move might have been I can’t shake
the feeling that it is strategically foolish. Tory backbenchers are talking about their leader in a way they never have before. As one senior MP told me, ‘resentment has turned to
hate.’
Even those backing the measure expect a quarter of the parliamentary party to vote against it. Once these MPs have rebelled once, even in a secret ballot, they will find it easier to do it again. Richard Ottaway, one of the two candidates for the chairmanship of the ’22, spoke in favour of the move at the meeting of the parliamentary party and there are dark mutterings that the whole move is designed to boost his chances against Graham
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