Clarke and Davis leading contenders
in Conservative leadership battle
(03.10.2005)
As
the Conservative party conference begins we are sure to see a great
deal of muscle flexing as candidates try to score points in their
attempt to become the new leader of the Conservative party.
Some have already declared their interest like Kenneth Clarke,
David Cameron, David Davis and Sir Malcolm Rifkind, but others may
enter the race in the next few days.
The only certainty at this stage of the race is that whoever they
choose, it won't be any worse than Michael Howard. But will the successful
candidate be better?
Conservative party chairman Francis Maude has indicated that the
party must change or die. Some may say that the party is already dead
and needs to be reborn.
In the last General Election the Conservatives (or perhaps Michael
Howard more?) showed a similar lack of fighting interest to that of
the Democrats in the U.S. and Labour's success was mainly due to the
absence of any credible alternative. Howard, like John Kerry, failed
to go for the throat, even though he had plenty of ammunition to do
so.
It is difficult to picture any serious changes coming from the
candidates listed so far and the odds of another Margaret Thatcher
coming to the rescue is slim.
Those
hoping to takeover from Michael Howard may be able to "talk the
talk" as they say in America, but can they "walk the walk?"
David Davis is almost certain to make the final two places, but
who will join him? Sir Malcolm Rifkind already seems to be "an
also ran" and most believe that the final battle will be between
Kenneth Clarke and David Davis.
We may not see a great deal of politics or policy discussions
at the conference this week, but there will be no shortage of speeches
and trumpet blowing.
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