Clarke’s return would signify a significant u-turn on his part as he has made it known for years that he has no interest in returning to the frontbench while the party was in opposition, especially to shadow a job he has held previously when in government. That said, there has been evidence last year that his views on a return were softening. It was reported that he had let it be known that he would like to return as Leader of the House in any new Conservative government. Then, towards the end of last year, he seemed to express a desire to return as shadow Chancellor, were the position to become available.
Clarkes’ return would be comparable to that of Peter Mandelson’s. Clarke, 67, is a political heavyweight, and is vastly experienced given that he has held Cabinet positions under Margaret Thatcher and John Major, most notably as Chancellor of the Exchequer between 1993 and 1997 and won plaudits for turning the British economy around during that period that followed the debacle of Black Wednesday (not that the electorate rewarded his achievements in the 1997 general election).
If Clarke does return to the Tory frontbench it is very likely that this will be as shadow Business Secretary – shadowing, and acting as a counterweight, to the experienced and high profile Peter Mandelson. It would help strengthen the Tory Treasury/business team, and if it works well, should complement George Osborne in his job as shadow Chancellor. His experience should also help counter Brown’s “novice” jibe.
Clarkes’ return would be comparable to that of Peter Mandelson’s. Clarke, 67, is a political heavyweight, and is vastly experienced given that he has held Cabinet positions under Margaret Thatcher and John Major, most notably as Chancellor of the Exchequer between 1993 and 1997 and won plaudits for turning the British economy around during that period that followed the debacle of Black Wednesday (not that the electorate rewarded his achievements in the 1997 general election).
If Clarke does return to the Tory frontbench it is very likely that this will be as shadow Business Secretary – shadowing, and acting as a counterweight, to the experienced and high profile Peter Mandelson. It would help strengthen the Tory Treasury/business team, and if it works well, should complement George Osborne in his job as shadow Chancellor. His experience should also help counter Brown’s “novice” jibe.
Unfortunately, because Mandelson is now in the Lords, we will be deprived of Mandelson/Clarke battles at the despatch box in the Commons. That said, this may be something that the Conservatives can spin to their advantage. They can say they are taking business issues in a recession very seriously so have appointed a high profile, experienced figure to the post of shadow Business Secretary that will operate in the Commons, the primary Chamber, rather than the Lords. The Tories can argue that the Business Secretary, like the Chancellor, ought to be an MP to be held to account by the people’s elected representatives at such a crucial time for Britain.
In addition, Clarke is a popular figure with the public which makes him an electoral asset. Michael Portillo in The Sunday Times has been one figure who has urged the return of Ken Clarke: "He has what his party’s front bench apparently lacks: “bottom”, that combination of independent-mindedness, experience and gravitas that makes people listen and trust… His return to the team would wipe the smirks from Labour faces as surely as Mandelson’s reenlistment shook the Conservatives a few weeks ago. Labour could then hardly taunt the Tories as Etonian toffs, for nobody looks less Bullingdon club than Clarke."
Even Mandelson himself apparently welcomes the prospect of Clarke returning. In full mischief-making mode, Mandelson has let it be known that he likes the idea of a fellow pro-European lending weight to the campaign to get Britain (eventually, when the time is right and all conditions have been met) into the single currency. Something tells me Mandelson is trying to derail Clarke’s return...
One issue that may have been a cause for concern was Clarke’s outside business interests though the latest register of MPs' interests reveals Clarke has quietly dropped many of these. For example, he is no longer a deputy chairman of British American Tobacco, his most controversial post. This has added to the speculation that Clarke is preparing for a comeback.
Just for the record, ConservativeHome's most recent reader survey showed half of its readers wanted to see Ken Clarke return to the shadow Cabinet (although nearly three quarters wanted to see a return for David Davis). However, the ConservativeHome editorial team is opposed to Cameron bringing Clarke back.
In addition, Clarke is a popular figure with the public which makes him an electoral asset. Michael Portillo in The Sunday Times has been one figure who has urged the return of Ken Clarke: "He has what his party’s front bench apparently lacks: “bottom”, that combination of independent-mindedness, experience and gravitas that makes people listen and trust… His return to the team would wipe the smirks from Labour faces as surely as Mandelson’s reenlistment shook the Conservatives a few weeks ago. Labour could then hardly taunt the Tories as Etonian toffs, for nobody looks less Bullingdon club than Clarke."
Even Mandelson himself apparently welcomes the prospect of Clarke returning. In full mischief-making mode, Mandelson has let it be known that he likes the idea of a fellow pro-European lending weight to the campaign to get Britain (eventually, when the time is right and all conditions have been met) into the single currency. Something tells me Mandelson is trying to derail Clarke’s return...
One issue that may have been a cause for concern was Clarke’s outside business interests though the latest register of MPs' interests reveals Clarke has quietly dropped many of these. For example, he is no longer a deputy chairman of British American Tobacco, his most controversial post. This has added to the speculation that Clarke is preparing for a comeback.
Just for the record, ConservativeHome's most recent reader survey showed half of its readers wanted to see Ken Clarke return to the shadow Cabinet (although nearly three quarters wanted to see a return for David Davis). However, the ConservativeHome editorial team is opposed to Cameron bringing Clarke back.
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