Iain Duncan Smith has many positive qualities: he is a decent man, loyal to his wife; good with policy and a tottenham supporter.
Unfortunately he is not suited for the modern political arena. He is an ineffective performer in television and is up against one of the best media performers in the world in Blair (and the third party leader is also extremely good on telly - with a friendly “man of the people” image)
There are other issues with IDS, and his handling of his office (not the storm in a teacup over his expenses - but his management of Conservative central office). He created a lot of resentment in the back rooms of the office with his high-handed attitude and hire-and fire behaviour (David Davis being an obvious example)
At this moment in time the Bair government are ripe for a kicking. The public has lost trust in them, and their policies (such as they are) are bobbins. Unfortunately IDS never laid a glove on Blair. Even William Hague showed him up for the over-polished autocue monkey he is.
To take an analogy with the labour party, Hague was our Michael Foot; IDS our Kinnock; Howard will be our John Smith and will hand over to our Blair (hopefully) after the next election (which we will lose). Quite who that person is I’m not sure, but Blair came from nowhere – and Thatcher was a minor minister.
The position of Conservative Leader is an important one for those of you who don’t vote Tory too. This government is by far the worst since records began (or at least sine the Marquis of Bute) and it needs to be held accountable. Michael Howard can do this. IDS couldn’t.
Owl
(Conservative party member and constituency activist – who voted for Ken Clarke last time, and would rather have Boris Johnson as leader)