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I'm not as clever as a general, says Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth
Joe Murphy, Political Editor31 Jul 2009
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth today confronted critics by admitting he is less intellectual than the Forces chiefs who advise him.
In a remarkably candid interview, the former shop steward said he would struggle to write a thesis and claimed he suffered from prejudice because of his Midlands accent and moustache.
But taking on critics who say he is not up to the job, he demanded respect for his political strengths and affinity with ordinary soldiers. "I have strengths and I have weaknesses," he said. "Idon't pretend to be able to write a great thesis or doctorate- I have no pretensions in that direction.
"But I'll tell you what I do have. I have a good feel for ordinary people, for politics, and those are my strengths. I understand, I hope instinctively, where many of our Armed Forces come from."
Mr Ainsworth was a surprise appointment last month because the key post of Defence Secretary usually goes to a Cabinet veteran, particularly in wartime. Former foreign secretary Lord Owen asked whether a minister who ranks only 21st in the Cabinet pecking order had the clout to obtain military funding.
But there were also claims he lacked the intellectual ability for the post. But Mr Ainsworth told the Daily Telegraph that although a civilian with no military experience he was able to bring a "unique dimension" to the role.
"I don't try to second guess decisions that are quite properly taken in the military chain of command," he said. "I don't try to pretend I am cleverer than a general or the Chief of the Defence Staff. But I can bring something else, a knowledge and understanding of Parliament and of civilian life."
The former Jaguar factory production line worker and union organiser said snobbery drove some of his critics.
"I speak with a Midlands accent. I drop my aitches. I suffer with an asthma-related condition that means I speak with a gravelly voice. I have a moustache that some people appear to take offence to. "
Mr Ainsworth admitted that the Government did not do enough to champion and applaud the Armed Forces during the early years of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. "People were pretty cheesed off with the attitude, not only of the Government, but also of the British people," he said.
"They were out there in Iraq, they were out there doing hard yards and putting their lives on the line - and nobody back here was nearly as interested as they ought to have been."
He said the situation had been turned round in the past two years and predicted all parties would give defence a higher priority in future.
Reader views (39)
re:I don't remember Mr. Ainsworth making any doggy claim along with those other MPs he might not be educated but he's as straight as they come..
- Kc, London boy
Are you saying he is not clever enough to fill in an MP's expense claim?
- Joe, Thornton Heath, England., 01/08/2009 11:18
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Quite simply this is a disgrace.The senior minister of defence , during a war , is qualified by being a former car shop stewert and having a 'feel' for what ordinary soldiers want. [http://He presumably is a touchy , feely person.|http://He presumably is a touchy , feely person.] . Really ! As a former soldier I can tell him what young soldiers want but it would be unprintable.But this has nothing whatever to do with the job of minister of defence . Any minister should have a minimum qualification [at least first degree] in say economics or accountancy ,finance , or law , logistics ,planning , strategic studies , international relations and etc.,etc .. I could go on.Secondly , to presuppose that generals are 'brains' is also so revealing [has he ever met any ?] , reading much military history , it is the minister who should act as a check on the gung ho [often stupid] generals.[http://e.g. Dr Strangeglove|http://e.g. Dr Strangeglove]God help us. Sad ! Lastly , Jacqui Smith admitted she wasn't qualified [ fit] for the job , after which it was suggested ministers should have a minimum qualification.Another example was the Speaker Martin. So it goes on.
- Chris M, morbihan,france, 01/08/2009 00:10
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Well what a b----- surprise a minister and I use the term advisedly telling us he is not up to the job.
Sheet metal worker,shop steward,trotskyist candidate,what do you expect from this bunch of troughing dregs of individuals called the nuliebour party,led by our primentalist McBottler in his quest to save the world.
Ainsworths comments are not a surprise to me seeing how many other ministers have said the same.
But folks the real problem is with McBottler and his pal/half a pole meddlsome in were they are leading this country it seems that the agenda is sign up to the Lisbon treaty Eg:Ireland,once that is a done deal then meddlsome will drop Brown like a hot potato.
Hopefully Ireland-Germany-Cechoslovakia will torpedo this and get rid of this united states of europe and bring it back to what it started out as a trading block.
Finally Cameron is an idiot if he does not see that if he really wants to see an absolute landslide victory all he needs to do is promise a referendom on europe,but it seems he wants to run with the hare and the hounds and I tell you this over time you will see that the party who takes us out of this eussr will gain everlasting support from the british people,the people of this land will never ever accept euro domination.
- Roy.C, wigan,england, 01/08/2009 00:04
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Not clever at all but that is what we get with labour ministers
- Edwin, beaconsfield buckinghamshire, 31/07/2009 22:30
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you dont need uper intelligence (what ever that means!) to realise that wounded soldiers and their families need all the help they can get with their injuries and after effects. commomn sense and historical falkands/iraqi facts should be enough, is this man living in a facts deficient based bubble? stop wringing your hands and face up to things like what 99% of your soldiers and voters do.
- Petesake, chelmsford uk, 31/07/2009 21:56
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I don't remember Mr. Ainsworth making any doggy claim along with those other MPs he might not be educated but he's as straight as they come..
- Kc, London boy, 31/07/2009 17:23
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Let me see, we have Agriculture Ministers who are both vegetarians which doesn't exactly help the Meat Industry, a thicko (never have guessed), as Minister of Defence and, by and large a bunch of dishonest Ministers otherwise whi lack, well honesty! All this before we review the PM - Best not as only 1200 characters left1
- Gordonbay, London and Cape Town, 31/07/2009 17:18
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Well at least he knows that he's an idiot: this is the triumph of a class-based political movement dedicated to building new forms of poverty and alienation. Should we privatise the MoD?
- Jamal Akhbar, Edinburgh, 31/07/2009 17:04
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I confess to being totally underwhelmed by Ainsworth's statment and utterly baffled at his claim to have political strengths. When exactly has he demonstrated these skills? And for his information, he cannot demand our respect he can only earn it - and he hasn't.
- James Elliott, Eastbourne UK, 31/07/2009 16:37
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This class business is a constant red herring brought up by Labour. Look at David Davis who pulled himself up by his bootstraps.No whingeing there.
It is unbelievable that a Minister of Defence should admit his failings,unbelievable that Brown should have appointed this pathetic little man to the job and is an insult to those serving in Afghanistan.
Ainsworth should jack it in now.
- Mordwinoff, Lisle France., 31/07/2009 16:37
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Bet they wouldn't even have this oaf back at Jaguar
- Peter, France, 31/07/2009 16:15
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I would never have guessed!!!
- M Stafford, Manchester, 31/07/2009 16:12
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Sir Winston Churchill had no qualifications just a massive load of common sense, thats really all you need in politics and many M.Ps.today sadly don't have it.
- John L., Scarborough. North Yorkshire .England., 31/07/2009 16:11
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Why worry, Bob, there are no qualifications needed even to be Prime Minister, in fact you don't have to be elected either!
- Paul Freeman, London, England, 31/07/2009 15:50
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You did not need to explain all that about yourself Ainsworth. It stand out a mile. But, if you had all these doubts about yourself and knowing, or did you? that you held the welfare of our wonderful Troops in your hand, did you accept the job? It's Brown we should be throwing the criticism at. He has a track record year's wrong about of making bad judgments. He even believed he would make a wonderful PM and saviour of the world. I Guess he has senility coming on.
- Albert Hall, hove england, 31/07/2009 15:09
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Good Lord, a politician not only being honest but admitting that he's thick, whatever next?
- Bob, Cheam, 31/07/2009 14:59
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Trying to think of something to add, but can't stop laughing at (almost) everyone elses posts. Fab!
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster, 31/07/2009 14:43
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He can bring a unique touch, represent the common man. He's not that smart and has a bit of a class chip on his shoulder. Well wake up no one gives a damn about class. Minister for defence during a War is one of the most challenging roles that exist. With men's lives on the line it demands intellect, confidence, leadership and a depth of knowledge. To take the job with anything else is arrogance or stupidity bordering on homicidal negligence.
- Bill G, Gerrards Cross, 31/07/2009 14:01
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Poor old Ainsworth just doesn't get it. He is temporary cannon fodder while the rest are off in Tuscany. Poor soul even had to come back from his holiday to take this flak. Don't worry Bob. It's only until the end of the summer and then you will get the sack. Hope you can get a refund for the holiday.
- Jilly, London, 31/07/2009 13:48
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Well done Bob for admitting your weaknesses although I don't suppose you'll be quitting to allow Gordon Broon another chance to dip into his vast pool of talent for a replacement.
If only Jacqui Smith could have had the decency to admit she also was crap whilst in office instead of afterwards.
- Edgar, London, 31/07/2009 13:29
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He's not clever, period.
- Roger, Winchester, England, 31/07/2009 13:25
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Wasnt Alastair Darling the transport minister a few years back,yet he could not even drive a car. An old chinese proverb comes to mind 'when a donkey speaks about donkeys the prudent man listens'.
- Leonard Lillywhites, N.Lonodon, 31/07/2009 13:19
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Quite right, in 21st Century Britain it would be quite inappropriate to discriminate against a candidate for a top, intellectually challenging job on the basis of intellect. Lets hope that Harriet is planning leglislation to put a stop to such terribe abuse at the earliest moment.
- Crest, st peter port, 31/07/2009 13:08
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Mr. Ainsworth,
Where the serviceman and your knowledge of his/her needs are concerned, you are not as clever as a raw recruit. Come up and see me sometime, I will teach you to march. It may well be the first steps to getting in step with the job you have taken on. I will proffer some feelings from the common man as to what we expect of our Government. My old man, another serviceman of WW1 experience said you should be a good listener, you as a body of some supposed accumen should try it a lot more.
A twenty two year Ex-Royal Naval gunnery Instructor
You may forward this to our Defence Secretary,
Bob Ainsworth
- Chris Thomas, Llandudno, 31/07/2009 12:59
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Never trust a man with a moustache.
- Reuben Camara, Republic of Morecambe, UK, 31/07/2009 12:38
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Not sure what to make of this. His honesty is refreshing, so long as he is not going for the sympathy and "oh the toffs are oppressing me" vote.
He was a Minister of State at the MoD for the two years before he became Defence Secretary. Hopefully, he was thought to have done well in that time.
Anyway, he is what we have got, so let's hope he gets all the support he needs and that he fights for the armed forces. He has little to lose. He will be on the opposition benches after the election (he is unlikely to lose a 14,000 majority in a Coventry seat he has held since 1992 and where he was born and bred).
- Lester May, London, 31/07/2009 12:33
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Jacqui Smith in Kevlar, "I didn't realise we paid off our mortgage" Blears overseeing the £2bn Olympic budget -did she say £2bn or £9bn, Fred the Shred and Myners setting up an Asset Mgt fund w/his payout, The Great Pretender Milibanana, Ian Blair getting a few "special" envelopes, non-tax paying Darling and will someone please give Balls and Mandelson a few dodgy Tamiflu tablets... Just shut the whole thing down - it is incompetence hidden under soundbites on Newsnight...
- Andre, london, 31/07/2009 12:31
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If he really does know less than a general then he must have the brainpower of an ant.
- John, Aberdeen, UK, 31/07/2009 12:13
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Britain is led by morons and this just proves it. Surely our lads deserve better than this socialist buffoon as it is their lives that are at risk.
- Richard, Nottingham, 31/07/2009 11:53
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Wow! Another ZaNuLab Minister admits some truth. Why cannot they all do this. Certainly Pa McRuin should! After all, he still thinks he is the chap to 'Save the World'.
Bob Ain't-worth-It is not...'As thick as he looks, but not as clever as he thinks!' (Oh dear, that could describe me as well)
- Uncle Vanya, East Anglia Area UK, 31/07/2009 11:24
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Another undereducated union agitator with a senior Government post. The 1st line of defense is always "it's snobbery, racism, ...ism.....".
- Mark, London, 31/07/2009 11:24
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What another sad tale. And yet it shows that social mobility is alive a kicking. From the dugouts and trenches of Jaguar, and the street fighting of a shop steward, plucked out, democratically selected and fast tracked to an office of state.....and given authority over one of the most respected and proven fighting forces in the world. We can only wonder at the modern day application of sophisticated selection techniques now in every day use......he should not worry too much, few of his ministrial colleagues have the skills, knowledge, interlect or training to exercise the responsibilities they purport to discharge. At one time it was the Toffs who could manage the world.....'just like running the estate old man! Now everybody can have ago? One last thought:would you give an ex shop steward a gun, or is the supreme leader protecting against insurrection or a coup?
- Sam Dickins, London, 31/07/2009 11:06
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As someone who served in the forces I find it surprising that recent Defence Ministers have no military experience.I wonder how many senior officers are able to obscure difficult deceisions ? In my time- one year it was the army's turn to be cut, next year the navy, the next year the RAF and in the four year the Defence Procurement "wallahs". Then it went round the circle again!It was an every decreasing circle of projects and manpower that could be cut or "civilianised".
- Jim, London, 31/07/2009 10:52
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"the Government of all the talents" is more like the Government with no talent.
- Ab, London, 31/07/2009 10:51
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When you are useless, and all else fails then you can use the excuse " I drop my aitches and all my critics are driven by snobbery" Don't this simpering Nu Labour crew realise the public has seen through all these pathetic statements?
"I am not as clever as a General" could be said by Smith, Blunkett, Prescott,Johnson,Straw, and many other Cabinet Ministers in the last 12 years. The plain fact is it is not their speach or their education that matters- it's their competence ! and that , in many cases is lacking.
Roll on the election
- Fay Mcademy, London, 31/07/2009 10:35
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Good on yer mate!
- Frank Ex Raf, BONCATH, WALES, 31/07/2009 10:29
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Thank God for a man who admits he is not an expert. Nicholas Butler maintained that an expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less, until eventually he knows everything about nothing. Sounds like many we see and hear on TV.
- Derek Holmes, Carmarthen Wales, 31/07/2009 10:26
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He's not subject to prejudice because of his accent and moustache - it's because he's thick...
- Ian, London, 31/07/2009 09:43
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"I'm not as clever as a general" - No s*** Sherlock!
Ainsworth has had no prior contact, experience or involvement with the armed forces. He simply does not know what he is doing.
Pretty much like the rest of the cabinet.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 31/07/2009 09:33
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