Tory Turmoil: Kenneth Clarke Under Fire from Conservative Right

Strategic Insights -

Kenneth Clarke, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, faced renewed criticism from the Conservative right wing last night as the party's internal strife threatened to undermine government unity. The right-wing 92 Group is meeting tonight to discuss the party's state before the local elections, and tensions are expected to rise in a vote on funding for the European Union's Common Agriculture Policy tomorrow. The government is likely to lose the vote, but nine dissident backbenchers will abstain, causing further concern for Clarke.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Conservative right-wing 92 Group is critical of Kenneth Clarke's handling of European integration, accusing him of disloyalty to the Prime Minister.
  • The group's magazine, Conservative Way Forward, featured an editorial criticizing Clarke's remarks on European monetary union, suggesting he should resign.
  • Senior party figures, including Michael Portillo and David Hunt, attempted to defend Clarke and dampen talk of a death wish for the party.
  • The government is likely to lose the vote on funding for the European Union's Common Agriculture Policy tomorrow, but nine dissident backbenchers will abstain.
  • Clarke has been criticized for predicting a delayed resumption of the "feel good factor," and his monthly wage premium to the middle class has been called into question.
  • The Tory right-wing is demanding a reduction in taxation before the local elections, with the 92 Group renewing its call for Clarke to make this commitment.
  • David Mellor, the former cabinet minister, defended Clarke on the BBC's Breakfast with Frost, saying loyalty is the Conservative Party's "secret weapon."

Statistics:

  • 92 Group of Conservative backbenchers meet tonight to discuss the party's state before the local elections.
  • 9 dissident backbenchers expected to abstain from the vote on funding for the European Union's Common Agriculture Policy tomorrow.
  • Opinion polls say Labour is 40 points ahead of the Conservatives (source: unspecified but implied in the text).
  • The government is expected to lose the vote on funding for the European Union's Common Agriculture Policy tomorrow.

Sources:

  • "Tories face record gap", an unspecified source mentioned on page 3 of the original publication.
  • BBC Radio, where Michael Portillo defended the Chancellor and called for an end to in-fighting.
  • BBC television, where David Hunt spoke about the government's economic performance.
  • Breakfast with Frost, where David Mellor defended Mr Clarke.
  • LWT's Dimbleby programme, where Tony Blair stressed the importance of modernization and regional assemblies.
  • The 92 Group's magazine, Conservative Way Forward.