Tory Leadership Battle Heats Up as Health Secretary Embarks on Ambitious Bid for Power

Strategic Insights -

Health Secretary Stephen Dorrell's decision to break ranks with his departmental brief to voice his opinions on Europe has been seen as a clear bid for the Tory party leadership. As the general election approaches, the Conservative Party is on the verge of a bitter leadership battle, with a dozen Cabinet ministers vying for the top spot. Rightwingers are proliferating, but it is unclear who will emerge as the Right's favorite candidate.

Key Takeaways:

  • Stephen Dorrell's decision to stray beyond his departmental brief on Europe has been portrayed by his opponents as a blatant bid for power, with some accusing him of being opportunistic and lacking charisma.
  • Rightwingers in the Conservative Party are rising, but there is no clear frontrunner yet, with several Cabinet ministers vying for the top spot, including Michael Heseltine, Kenneth Clarke, and Michael Portillo.
  • The "jostlers" group, which includes Dorrell, Michael Howard, and Malcolm Rifkind, have been shifting their stances to suit a post-election parliamentary electorate that will be more Euro-sceptical.
  • Heavyweights such as Heseltine, Clarke, and Portillo are gathering momentum in their campaigns, with Portillo accused of playing the loyalty card to contrast himself with John Redwood.
  • Dark horses like Ian Lang, William Hague, and Norman Lamont may also throw their hats in the ring, with Lang thought to be John Major's favored choice.

Statistics:

  • 12 Cabinet ministers are vying for the Tory party leadership.
  • 9-2: Michael Heseltine's odds of winning the leadership according to William Hill betting.
  • 5-1: Kenneth Clarke and Michael Portillo's odds of winning the leadership according to William Hill betting.
  • 50-1: Norman Lamont's plunging odds of winning the leadership according to William Hill betting.

Sources:

  • "The Times", 1997.
  • William Hill betting odds.