Tory top cat

[tonyb]

Now that Ken Clarke has entered the race, is it over?

[Jarnold]

If not over then it's a lot more interesting. Michael Portillo's supporters are in such a panic in case Clarke gets through the first selection (they know he's a favourite with the Tory in the street) that some are considering tactical voting. Portillo, who has the 1997 election flashing before his eyes, is terrified that he'll be made to look an utter fool again and is trying to steer them back to the fold. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[PDTV]

What's the fascination with Clarke being a smoker? It's bad enough that a successful leader has to look groomed, but does he have to turn into a bland, American-style robot to be a winner?

[JohnPPotts]

It all depends on whether the Tory Party values getting back into power over not entering the Euro. Ken Clarke would be a much more popular leader with the country and might lead them back into government: Iain Duncan Smith is much closer to the party members on most things (esp. the Euro), but almost certainly wouldn't get them back into power. It's a bit like the Labour party in the 80s - Ken Clarke would be like choosing Neil Kinnock, Iain Duncan Smith like choosing Michael Foot.