A big risk for any Conservative leader
I have known Alan Duncan for more than a third of a century - ever since April 1975 when we competed against each other in the national final of the English Speaking Union public speaking competition for schools. (My school won, though he later got revenge by beating me for the presidency of the !).
He's always been an interesting person, a highly talented individual - intelligent, charming, frank, energetic and thoughtful. Of all the student officers of the Oxford Union from my generation he was the only one I recall who took a genuine interest in the Union full-time staff. But he also has flaws.
Duncan has always been intensely ambitious. It must have been very hard for him when he went for the Conservative leadership in 2005 and hardly anyone came to his support, and he then had to pull out. Worse still, the post was taken by somebody almost ten years his junior.
It will be very hard for him to continue as Shadow Leader of the House when Commons reform is so high on the political agenda. On the other hand, Duncan might prove a formidable backbench critic. David Cameron might do well to recall Lyndon Johnson's explanation as to why he kept J. Edgar Hoover as FBI director: "Far better to have him inside the tent pissing out, than outside pissing in."
Alan Duncan is a colourful, articulate member of the Shadow Cabinet. But, as I explained in my 1997 Newsnight profile about the relationship between him and William Hague, always a big risk for any Conservative leader.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
I'm Michael Crick, and I'm Newsnight's political editor. My guiding rule is that in any story there's usually something the politicians would prefer the world not to know. My job is to find that out. Follow me on
Comment number 1.
At 13th Aug 2009, barriesingleton wrote:CHARISMA AND CHARM THE PREFERRED CLOAKS OF THE SCOUNDREL
Duncan is the consummate politician - and consummately a number of other things also. From his support, it would seem he epitomises the 'Westminter Politician'.
What better reason to clean out the chamber (pot) and start afresh!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 1)
Comment number 2.
At 13th Aug 2009, lesleyleeds wrote:This calls into question Cameron's judgement. Duncan described the expenses system as a "great system" on HIGNFY one week before the storm broke, so this is not the first time he has expressed views at odds with what Cameron would like us to believe.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 2)
Comment number 3.
At 13th Aug 2009, lordBeddGelert wrote:But Michael, who are the 'talking heads' ?
They may have been household names then, but we could use some captions or pointers now...
Complain about this comment (Comment number 3)
Comment number 4.
At 13th Aug 2009, meninwhitecoats wrote:I think he is a talent but he may not be best suited to his current position.
His remark was totally inflamatory to anyone in genuine financial straits.
He cannot resist the quick reposte and will always fall foul of the waiting journalist but he adds colour to the gathering clones at Westminster.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 4)
Comment number 5.
At 14th Aug 2009, Tim wrote:Andy Coulson, Alan Duncan and now Daniel Hannan. David Cameron seems to be going out of his way to give the British electorate reasons to vote Labour at the general election, when just a few months ago it seemed inconceivable that they would do so. What on earth is going on? Surely he isn't acquiring the arrogance of power nearly a year before being elected?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 5)
Comment number 6.
At 14th Aug 2009, Colonicus42 wrote:At least he does seem to be a real person who says what he thinks, its quite refreshing to see that in the tory party.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 6)
Comment number 7.
At 14th Aug 2009, busby2 wrote:Post 6 commented "At least he does seem to be a real person who says what he thinks, its quite refreshing to see that in the tory party".
I wonder if the poster also had in mind his highly offensive comments against Miss California on HIGNFY? Those comments were not just unfunny but signalled him as being unfit for high office. Nobody should think it is okay to joke about mudering someone for expressing their views against gay partnerships. Heterophobic comments like his on HIGNFY are quite unacceptable from someone seeking high office.
Anyone with common sense should have realised just how unacceptable his comments were. The other members of HIGNFY were rightly shocked.
This latest story is further evidence that he is a liability who lacks judgment and common sense. He is an example of why politicians are held in such low esteem.
What this latest story demostrates yet again is that Alan Duncan opens his mouth and leaves
Complain about this comment (Comment number 7)
Comment number 8.
At 16th Aug 2009, Quietzapple wrote:Firstly Cameron cannot really afford to sack his only high profile gay shadow. While it is not a requirement, quite, to have a woman, black, gay Mp on his team it is not far off, not least because soo many of them are public school boys, which looks a little like the prejudice it is. (Having half of them from Old Eton was over the top, so he had to give some of them up)
Secondly Duncan is able, even if he does like to explore his mouth with his toes sometimes, having made his fortune as an oil trading businessman Before he became an MP, rather than relying on his "Interests" (Jobs or otherwise) since he was elected.
Thirdly Cameron is a wimp, and even if he did want to let him go, left it too late. The Hannan badmouthing the NHS in the USA scandal was upon him and, if he fears MEP and Daily Telegraph leader writer Hannan to much to insist on an apology to us all, he can hardly sack Duncan for what were intended as private remarks.
I recall he was hot on Gordon Brown sacking McBride mind . . .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 8)
Comment number 9.
At 21st Aug 2009, dennisjunior1 wrote:Michael:
Yes, it seems like a huge risk for the Conservative Leader; But, he may some idea on his ambitious...
NB: I am not a political operative and/or associated with the Political Parties in the United Kingdom....
=Dennis Junior=
Complain about this comment (Comment number 9)