Is Clarke’s fate sealed?

Ken Clarke is in the middle of a media firestorm following his comments on rape. The remarks were typical of Clarke’s dismissive attitude to the victims of crime and Downing Street is clearly furious about them. It has ruled out sacking him, but I suspect that Clarke’s fate is now sealed come the much expected March 2012 reshuffle.

Clarke is of the never explain, never apologise school of politics. But Number 10 clearly want him to ‘clarify’ his remarks. I suspect that Clarke, who has been busily defending his comments, will not want to do that. This could well be the cause of the next row between Clarke and the centre.

Leaving aside the dubious content of the Justice Secretary’s comments, his timing was also particularly unfortunate. The last thing any Prime Minister wants is a row blowing up just before he goes out to face the leader of the opposition at PMQs. Indeed, all Cameron could say in the chamber when Miliband pressed him on what Clarke had said was, ‘I have not heard the Justice Secretary’s interview.’ And then when Miliband pressed him again, ‘I have not heard this interview.’