The leader in this week's Spectator won't produce much joy at the Clarke camp. Edited by the David Cameron-supporting Boris Johnson, The Speccie draws on 'bra wars' to suggest that the European issue isn't going to go away and the Conservative Party needs a leader who will resist the centralised bureaucracy that has caused tonnes of clothing to pile up at Europe's ports:
"Bra Wars is a text-book example of why it is wrong, in principle, to transfer any further political authority from Westminster to the EU. The modern Conservative party must keep up the fight for an open, free-trading Europe, and no new Conservative leader deserves election unless he is prepared to oppose the transfer of any further powers from elected politicians at Westminster to the bumbling protectionists of Brussels."
Boris Johnson talking about bras - you can just imagine it can't you!
Posted by: AnotherNick | 01 September 2005 at 18:55
Ken was interviewed on Radio 4 at lunchtime. He said the challenge of Europe was to make market work to increase prosperity.
His critics could point out that the market he's championing seems to be a barrier between Britain, prosperity and cheap goods.
Posted by: James Hellyer | 01 September 2005 at 19:01
At the risk of stating the bleedin' obvious, Boris is very reminiscent of Ken. Both are high profile, charismatic, warm, bright, articulate, amusing, likably non-pc etc etc.
Alas, they are equally unsuitable for the leadership.
Posted by: Wat Tyler | 01 September 2005 at 21:21
Then Boris Johnson should support Liam Fox (or David Davis depending on his position - But he seems a bit non-committal at the moment). I’d much rather have Ken Clarke instead of Cameron – Not only is he a good speaker and a British gentleman (something none of the other real contenders are), but he is also honest about his views.
But I do agree that Europe isn’t off the agenda. It isn’t now, and never will be. However, Cameron isn’t the person to lead from a eurosceptic position (but I’ve no doubt he will step aside for Davis), and Davis seems a bit non-committal… Is Liam the only eurosceptic candidate?
Posted by: The Political Thinker | 01 September 2005 at 21:31
Well, Davis used to make a big deal out of being known as Monsieur Non in his days as Minister for Europe, but I don't recalling him saying anything that's really eurosceptic.
Posted by: James Hellyer | 01 September 2005 at 21:40
To be fair to Ken, he always said that he is in favour of free trade and free markets. It is likely that he will make a major speech on Europe. Mandy and his protectionist fiasco will be convenient target to advance his new Eurosceptic credentials.
Liam Fox is, IMO, the most Eurosceptic candidate. That is why he may find it difficult to attract support from the centre left.
Posted by: Selsdon Man | 02 September 2005 at 11:49
"Liam Fox is, IMO, the most Eurosceptic candidate. That is why he may find it difficult to attract support from the centre left."
Oliver Heald, who backed Ken Clarke last time, is one of Liam's team. More importantly, his Broken Society speech, and campaigning on mental health when Health Shadow, should reassure all parts of the party that he has a broader appeal.
Posted by: Simon C | 02 September 2005 at 12:01
I think that Chris Grayling, Liam's campaign manager, also backed Clarke last time.
Posted by: Selsdon Man | 02 September 2005 at 15:32