In Defence of Alan Duncan
The knifes are out for Alan Duncan. Briefings have been made against him. Yet he remains popular with the grassroots, as evidenced by ConHome.
As a direct result of these briefings speculation on his fate mounts in the media – see here and here – and has had to return early from the parliamentary all-party skiing trip in Davos, Switzerland. A ‘Cameron ally’ in the Times has even gone as far as to call Alan “detached” and claims he “sulks on the sidelines.” Utter tosh.
Okay, he was not present at the shadow cabinet away day/recession tour, instead opting for the Alpine slopes. So what? This doesn’t mean he’s about to be ejected post haste. He was on call over the Christmas break. Half the frontbench weren’t there either and I doubt Cameron is planning that extensive a reshuffle.
Might this possibly have something to do with the fact that he was one of those who resisted Cameron over outside business interests?
If Alan Duncan is to be replaced by Ken Clarke then so be it. Indeed I suggested that it should be so – but not because of any problem with Alan. I feel he has been singled out unfairly over the reshuffle and it would be a mistake to remove him from the shadow cabinet. Perhaps Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury? He and George Osborne would make a great team.
UPDATE: Iain Dale reports that David Cameron and Alan Duncan were seen enjoying each others company yesterday at Portcullis House during lunchtime. Perhaps he will be spared after all?
