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David Cameron faced embarrassment today when it was claimed he privately admitted his shadow defence ministers “lacked expert understanding” of Afghanistan.
The disclosure of the Conservative leader's remark came from former Army chief General Sir Richard Dannatt, who recounted a phone call in which he was asked to become an adviser.
It will irritate Liam Fox, the shadow defence secretary, who is said to have voiced concern about the propriety of appointing a former Chief of the General Staff as a policy aide and possible future minister.
Sir Richard spoke out to defend his appointment against criticism from Labour and some military officers.
Speaking to an audience at the Windsor Leadership Trust last night, he said he had met Mr Cameron only a few times, twice for detailed discussions on military matters in the past 18 months. Then the Tory leader rang him a few weeks ago to make the job offer. “He put it to me that he was concerned his defence team — at a time when defence was really important, and Afghanistan was really critical — lacked expert understanding, and would I be prepared to advise his team, and, if the Conservatives win the election, would I be prepared to take a peerage and maybe join his ministerial team.”
Sir Richard pointed out to Mr Cameron that he would still be a serving soldier until 22 November. “He said, I understand that but I would like to announce it at the Conservative Party Conference.' As with all things, it leaked out. I think it rather indicates it was not a long-term plot.”
Some senior military officers think Sir Richard has shot himself in the foot as Labour can now dismiss his past criticisms of troops and equipment shortages as being politically motivated.
Several are unhappy at the prospect of such a senior figure looking over their shoulders as a minister.
Mr Cameron drew prolonged cheers when he announced in Manchester that Sir Richard would become a Tory peer and could become a minister.
Reader views (10)
At least he is big enough to seek help when all the existing govt keeps comming up is amateurs.
- Nigel Rush, Paris France, 09/10/2009 16:46
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Ted, London - well said!
Suggestion to others commenting about, or should I have said "milking" the "weak on Afghanistan" thing. How do you think ANY government gets "Stong" on anything? They bring in experts. Are you suggesting that Labour didn't consult experts for problems that arose when they came into power last time? They didn't need anyone?
Hmmm - there might be some basis for that - look at the mess they've made of things. I'd forgotten that it is straight from the socialist play-book that only they know what is right and good for everyone. Only they know the answers. (Labour supporters shouldn't be boasting about that too loudly right now, I'd suggest).
- Rogan, Irving, 09/10/2009 14:56
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I am as simple as the next man in these matters but it strikes me Dannatt was unbelievably naive in joining the Tories right on the heels of his criticism of Gordon Brown. I hailed him for his courage then. Now I think he's a liability. What parallel world does he live in not to realise his joining the Tories would weaken his argument. The sad thing is lives of young British men and woman in the armed forces depend on him. Gordon Brown - the truly guilty man - must be chewing his fingernails with glee!
- Harry Parker, Toronto, 09/10/2009 14:38
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Melvyn Windbag, Canvey Island, Essex - Soldiers, thankfully, are apolitic as a rule. And it's a great pity that New Labour carpers (armchair Generals who don't know the business end of a firearm from their elbows, and have an ex car factory worker as MINISTER OF DEFENCE) just cannot give their pre-election tripe a rest.
- Ted, London, 09/10/2009 13:58
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I wonder how many billions are going to be paid by the conservatives on consultation fees.I have no intention of voteing for any party that cannot do the job themselves and have to out source work.
- Dave, london, 09/10/2009 12:42
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Funny how the Tory spokeman had to eat his words when it was pointed out this was a TORY appointment!!! If I had been interviewer I would have kept up the pretnse longer.
Labour had been out of power for 18 years in 1997 yet they did not have to seek this kind of help.
Has anyone thought of how this appointment if it were to happen would affect those still serving for our country it will mean that any decision could be raise questions of which party they are working for?
Clearly the rules need changing to stop serving or recently retired officers getting involved with political appointments while their decisions are still recent.
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 09/10/2009 11:47
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Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands - First rule of British Politics and a gentle reminder: NEVER consider onself qualified to tell the British people how to vote or whom NOT to vote for.
- Ted, London, 09/10/2009 11:27
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Has Dannatt got any mates who could replace the dummies who are Shadow Chancellor and Shadow Education Secretary. The Tories do seem to be a case of Dave and the Dumnces which most of the non-committed Public have sussed out.
- A Milne, Kensington England, 09/10/2009 11:25
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Well, at least David Cameron is honest about it, albeit in private. Cameron does not arouse sufficient confidence in me to vote Tory at the next election, whenever it is, even with Richard Dannatt on his team. In spite of criticism, I still have confidence in Gordon Brown and New Labour to get us out of the recession. Vote Tory at your peril, everybody!
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands, 09/10/2009 10:49
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Well done David Cameron for inviting this illustrious soldier to brief and encourage his Defence team - but shame, shame on New Labour's carping brigade for attempting to politicise this matter.
- Ted, London, 09/10/2009 10:39
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