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Osborne backed by big beast Clarke
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor20 Nov 2008
SHADOW CHANCELLOR George Osborne won a much needed boost from Tory heavy-weight Kenneth Clarke today.
The former chancellor defended Mr Osborne from attacks by his Conservative critics, claiming he had been "targeted in a personalised political campaign".
Some Tory MPs have been mobilising for Mr Clarke or William Hague to replace Mr Osborne in the wake of "Yachtgate" and Labour's strong performance in the polls. But Mr Clarke said: "I think my name is being used as part of this attempt to undermine George. I think for David Cameron to replace George Osborne with me or anybody else would be a serious political mistake.
"The impression it would give of self doubt, division and sudden loss of confidence in what we have been saying would be catastrophic. It would be a triumph for opponents of the Conservative Party."
Reader views (7)
Peter Mandelson the come back kid might have inspired ken Clarke - to signal Mr Cameron that he is ready to come back too.
- Alex Lisinge, Putney London, 21/11/2008 11:28
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Getting ken to speak up for him won't save George Osborne, as the more he and Davic Cameron move away from the Government's plan of action, the more the Tories will drop i the polls. The Tory lead has disappeared because the British public appreciate Gordon Brown's sincere efforts to coordinate the actions of the world's leaders to combat the credit crisis worldwide
- Keith Price, Luton, England, 20/11/2008 19:27
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Hague should always be a 'must-have' in any Tory Party. I also think Michael Gove has a great future too. A wonderful orator, calm, speaks sense, a great voice tone. I tip him for a high flyer.
- Paul, Bromley, 20/11/2008 17:58
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Very difficult for an opposition party to shine when we have such past-masters of spin and sleaze in power. In my view the Nation is going to have to work its way out of the current economic catastrophe caused by Labour's mis-management and wastefulness, and carry for several years a very high welfare bill. This could be off-set by the introduction of government projects such as the use of excess labour to repair and strengthen the realm's coastal defences and increase the protection of areas subject to the risk annual flooding. Then we have more than a centuries supply of coal waiting to be mined and used for export, home energy etc., Also an agricultural programme which could be expanded and be completely self supporting. All that before looking at possible savings within Whitehall and the quangos.
- Robert El-Cid,, Hull, East Yorks.,, 20/11/2008 15:59
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So George Osbourne receives support from Ken Clarke well that is like the support Ken Livingstone got from Gordon Brown and look what happened to him.
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 20/11/2008 14:41
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Can't be any worse than Brown shoe-horning Mandelson back into government.
- Albert Swift, Aberdeen, Scotland, 20/11/2008 13:22
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Ken Clarke's Europhilia has always been a thorn in the side of the Tory party. His support for Osborne is just one vote-loser supporting another and should be ignored. If Tory MPs are looking to replace Osborne with Clarke there really is no hope for them. Why are they so blind?
- John, London, 20/11/2008 11:18
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