Already a subscriber? Log in
61% are dissatisfied with Alan Duncan’s performance. 31% are satisfied. This makes him the least popular member of the shadow cabinet.
38% agreed that ‘Alan Duncan was telling the truth – the antagonism toward MPs has gone too far.’ 52% disagreed.
65% agreed ‘There is now a real problem of high calibre people being discouraged from entering politics.’ 32% disagreed.” Myself, I can’t see Duncan resigning or getting sacked over his infamous comments; at least not immediately. However stupid he was – and, make no mistake, it was a big error of judgement on his part – the misdemeanour isn’t a sacking offence in and of itself. After all, the jury’s still out on whether he was joking or not, and plenty of other MPs utter similar sentiments in private anyway.
But this isn’t to excuse Duncan. The verdict from the grassroots is compelling, and this is hardly the first time that he’s embarrassed both himself and the Tory leadership. Like James, I suspect that whatever chance he had of featuring in a Cameron Cabinet has now just evaporated.
UPDATE: CoffeeHouser NorthernJohn picks me up for writing that “plenty of other MPs utter similar sentiments in private anyway.” I should have been clearer: I wasn’t meaning that this makes Duncan’s sentiments right, but rather that it shields him from being sacked – or might dissuade him from resigning – immediately. I doubt Cameron will want to rile up all the MPs who agree with Duncan – if not the way he expressed it – by deeming this a sackable offence.
Trending
Because you read about alan duncan
Also by Peter Hoskin
Latest
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in