William Hague rejects his own democratic reforms

William Hague uses his News of the World column to recommend the abandonment of the democratic reforms he introduced as leader. He writes:

"Giving power to the members was a crucial part of creating a far bigger and more varied membership. Yet this has not happened, and the party members can be said to be no more representative of the population than the MPs, but without the personal knowledge of the possible leaders."

Mr Hague recommends what is essentially a reversal of the current leadership process. Currently MPs thin the field of candidates and present two candidates for the party in the country to choose between. Mr Hague suggests that candidates for the leadership could be required to receive endorsements from a critical number of constituency associations before MPs have the final say on who should lead the Conservative Party.

For an argument for a US-style primary election please click here*.

Comments

[Jude]

I agree with Mr Hague. The last time we the members were asked to vote, we were handed IDS and Clarke. What kind of choice was that for goodness sakes?
Davis is the best bet, if I could be sure they would select him, then fine, but life is never that simple!!!! If there is a plot then I'm worried.
Along with everyone else who has voted Tory I'm terrified the MP's will cause another damaging row, please don't give the press what they are sat there waiting for. They were SO disappointed when Howard was declared leader, lets have another of those please!

[James Hellyer]

"The last time we the members were asked to vote, we were handed IDS and Clarke. What kind of choice was that for goodness sakes?"

I fail to see how the MPs selecting two "bad" candidates for the membership to vote on in 2001 can be used to justify taking away the membership's vote. The MPs chose those candidates after all...