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Ken Clarke 'is most rebellious Tory MP'
Nicholas Cecil, Chief Political Correspondent8 Jan 2009
KEN CLARKE'S hopes of a return to the shadow cabinet were dealt a blow today by a study showing he is the most rebellious Tory MP.
Since David Cameron took over as Tory leader at the end of 2005, former chancellor Mr Clarke has voted against the party whip the most.
He rebelled 33 times, mainly over the new EU Treaty. In second place in the revolts' league table of Tory MPs was Bob Spink, who has now joined Ukip after voting against Mr Cameron 23 times.
Shipley MP Philip Davies is third on 18, followed by Christopher Chope on 16, and Philip Hollobone, Richard Shepherd and Ann Widdecombe, all on 14.
Mr Cameron is said to be considering bringing back Mr Clarke, possibly to take on Lord Mandelson on the business portfolio. But senior Tories have warned that the former cabinet minister would be a divisive figure.
The research was carried out by Professor Philip Cowley at Nottingham University. Overall, Conservative MPs had revolted less than their Labour colleagues in recent years, he said.
Reader views (8)
Bring back Ken, sooner rather than later!
- David, Stoke-on-Trent. United Kingdon, 08/01/2009 20:23
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Ken Clarke and the Tories are home and dry... And the Commons could do with a bit of jazzing-up.
- Peter Seekings-Foster, Mildenhall, Suffolk., 08/01/2009 19:33
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If David Cameron is not careful, he might end up snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. You want an MP who is not a stooge. Good on him for having a mind of his own. Look at Britain today and you see the demerits of group think !
- Ed Baines, London, UK, 08/01/2009 17:08
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Isn't it a good thing that Ken Clarke actually votes according to what he believes, rather than voting for whatever he thinks will get him a promotion? It's good to see some integrity in politics for once.
- Liz, London, 08/01/2009 16:21
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Heaven forbid that we have an MP who actually thinks for himself. Bring back Ken!
- Maureen Oconnell, romford england, 08/01/2009 16:15
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It would be worth the risk to see Clark's competence integrity and experience set against the incompetence deceit and naivety of Broon, Mandelson and Darling
- Michael, Surbiton, Surrey, 08/01/2009 16:03
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my main concern with clarke ,is his pro eu stance
- John D Rooney, lincoln, 08/01/2009 15:22
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An MP with his own opinions? All parties need more of those. If all MPs actually read and understood what they are voting on, instead of just voting as their party whips dictate this would be much better for the democratic process.
- R Harris, Guildford UK, 08/01/2009 15:15
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