Bring back Kenneth Clarke, party members tell Cameron as Tory reshuffle speculation

**Mich the Tester** · 30 December 2008, 11:38

Would the blue rinse brigade really want a europhile like Clarke on board?

**Liability** · 30 December 2008, 11:38

Originally posted by AtW View Post

Conservative party members want David Cameron to bring back the former chancellor Kenneth Clarke and the ex-shadow home secretary David Davis in his next frontbench reshuffle, according to a poll published yesterday.

The release of the survey, which also shows that a significant minority of Tories want George Osborne to be replaced as shadow chancellor, coincided with speculation that Cameron could give Clarke the business portfolio, putting him up against Lord Mandelson.

Gordon Brown's surprise decision to recall Mandelson to the cabinet has been seen as a success and, in Tory circles, it appears to have strengthened the feeling that Cameron could also benefit from the return of a veteran "big beast".

A party spokeswoman refused to comment on Cameron's reshuffle plans, although one shadow minister said he thought "a Clarke comeback in some form is quite likely to happen."

More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2...son-ken-clarke

-------

He needs to do it really - his 2nd in command is a lightweight with poor judgement.

this wouldnt surprise me - bringing back Mandy has done them well [right or wrongly]

**AtW** · 30 December 2008, 11:39

Originally posted by Mich the Tester View Post

Would the blue rinse brigade really want a europhile like Clarke on board?

Joining euro is beginning to make more sense (I reckon the City soon will demand it), so having europhile chancellor is good. Those who are against euro among Cons should evaluate whether they are so against it to stay out of power for even longer.

**Mich the Tester** · 30 December 2008, 11:41

Originally posted by AtW View Post

Joining euro is beginning to make more sense, so having europhile chancellor is good. Those who are against euro among Cons should evaluate whether they are so against it to stay out of power for even longer.

Regardless of what you think of the euro, I’m just surprised that the Daily Mail reading classes would support a guy like Clarke. Or are they so desperate to be rid of the snot goblin that they’d even give up the pound?

**AtW** · 30 December 2008, 11:42

Originally posted by Mich the Tester View Post

Regardless of what you think of the euro, I’m just surprised that the Daily Mail reading classes would support a guy like Clarke. Or are they so desperate to be rid of the snot goblin that they’d even give up the pound?

The article is from the Guardian - Daily Mail focuses on what's more important - Gerrand's chances to end up in jail

**deano** · 30 December 2008, 11:47

Yay! Best news this year! I voted for Clark in the leadership elections. Didn't make any odds of course because DC won.

But Clark is needed. He is a big hitter who will slap Mandy and his boss around, getting headlines and soundbites. Brilliant.

David Davies for shadow Chancellor? Okay, that works for me as well.

Shaping up nicely.

**AtW** · 30 December 2008, 11:50

Originally posted by deano View Post

David Davies for shadow Chancellor? Okay, that works for me as well.

He should be back to run Home Office, he is no economic heavy weight and Clark was through last downturn, he is exactly what Cameron needs now. Either that or Vince Cable - I'd vote for that too.

**Solidec** · 30 December 2008, 13:44

Cameron won't ditch his buddy Osborne any time soon. Do remember he was voted parliamentarian of the year 2007 (Peter Mandleson won the award this year!).

I do think that the Conservatives are pulling their punches at the moment, no point showing your hand before an election has been called, more time for Zani Liebore to steal any good ideas and find a way of rubbishing the not so good ones.

Also, no point formulating an economic manifesto without having access to the REAL books at the treasury. Only then will they be able to see the truly awful state of the public finances, and then know how tied their hands are with respect to tax cuts etc.

Ken Clarke in the shadow role to what the Dark Lord does would be ideal, Shadow Business Secretary. Add some well needed heavy artillery to the front bench. Clarke has this sort of effortless charm about him and just seems like a trustworthy straight laced bloke. Most disarming, exactly what the Conservatives need right now.

David Davis needs a position somewhere but I really think he pissed off Cameron with his by-election shenanigans. However he would go a long way to make the Conservatives appeal a bit more to the common floating voter who is traditionally distrustful of the Tory Public School Boy image.

What I am hoping for is a hung parliament with a marginal conservative majority and a power sharing deal between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems, with Vince Cable becoming Chancellor. Doubt it will ever happen though.

For what its worth I will definately be voting Conservatives in the next GE mainly because they seem committed to reducing public spending, decentralising government and managing taxes. They also have a proven track record of being able to balance the books better than any Labour government ever has.

It's a case of lesser of 3 evils.

**AtW** · 30 December 2008, 13:47

Originally posted by Solidec View Post

Add some well needed heavy artillery to the front bench.

Heavy arty always stays behind

Other than that I agree - in the interests of the country Cons should agree with Lib Dems that Vince Cable will be Chancellor, heck, Nu Liebor should agree to this in the interests of the country if they really those at all.

Bring back Kenneth Clarke, party members tell Cameron as Tory reshuffle speculation