Diary
Don’t sack George Osborne – just yet
19 November, 2008
In recent days, there have been a number of calls for George Osborne to be sacked as Shadow Chancellor. The clamour has come mainly from right wing publications, including the Daily Telegraph, and signal an alarming vote of no confidence in the Tory no 2. I am not about to add to that list – at least not yet.
Firstly, the signs are worrying for Osborne. He has performed inadequately in the last few months and failed to produce a coherent fiscal alternative to New Labour. His mantra of ‘sharing the proceeds of growth’ and insistence on ‘funded’ tax cuts now seem a hopelessly inadequate response to the looming recession while his tax cutting proposals are somewhat half hearted. The country expects a bold opposition at a moment of unprecedented economic crisis.
That said Osborne is no intellectual slouch. He has the ability to turn things round and rejuvenate the party, as last year’s surprise announcement on inheritance tax showed so clearly. The Conservative U turn yesterday in refusing to match New Labour’s spending plans is another thoroughly welcome move.
Another important reason not to sack Osborne is that there is no viable alternative. Two candidates suggest themselves: John Redwood and Ken Clarke. Redwood can be ruled out quickly for though he is an undoubted intellectual heavyweight with experience to match, he is probably too divisive a figure for the party. Clarke is a more formidable prospect, a man who oozes executive experience and public appeal in equal measure. While his European views remain highly divisive, these could no doubt be put aside for the duration. But there is one big problem: It is highly unlikely that he wants the job - why would he?
Clarke has already been Chancellor of the Exchequer, as well as Home Secretary, and boasts a formidable record for economic competence. Were he to become Chancellor, questionable given his age, he would instantly preside over the worst financial crisis in recent history. Any failure to lift Britannia PLC from its current trough of despond would irreparably stain his reputation.
The shadow Chancellorship is a poisoned chalice and Clarke knows this better than anyone. In any case, the old stalwart has only really coveted one job, that of Prime Minister. To that end, he has stood three times for leadership of the Conservative party, only to see his efforts rebuffed on each occasion. He will certainly end his career on the backbenches.
It would be premature then to sack Osborne without an alternative candidate. But he also has to realise that the longer he fails to produce imaginative policies, the more the clamour will grow for his dismissal. The public deserve a credible opposition. It is only by embracing a radical agenda that the Tories can offer it.
Post to Delicious