LibDem Peer Lord Greaves is nothing if not a character. Today he wrote to the letters page of The Guardian...Six days before Christmas, you published a lettrer from me in which I wrote that the Blairite word moderniser is not a term that Liberal Democrats use in internal debate. Followiong Ming Campbell's depressing remarks about 'modernising the party' in his first conference speech, I feel I should now write to apologise for my error.
Class. At least Norman Tebbit waited a few weeks before he had a go at David Cameron. Already the knives appear to be out for Ming!
Lord Greaves appears to take the phrase "loose cannon" to new heights - he seems very popular with the LibDem grassroots though.
ReplyDeleteHis popularity is largely with a fading group of self-important activists who regard themselves as the real party. In every respect reminiscent of the Tribune tribalists who spent more of their time attacking their own party and attending committee meetings rather than getting stuck in to their opponents.
ReplyDeleteAnd Sir Ming will doubtless be just as delighted to be attacked by Lord Beard of Sandals (aka Lord Greaves of Cantankerousoldbastard) as David Cameron is to be attacked by Normo Tebbs.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the blog is aware of this
ReplyDeleteI was saying just the other day that Ming might not have a good time as leader. These are new days for the LibDems in some ways, they've tasted blood and know how to get rid of a leader and it seems they like it!
ReplyDeleteSensible point by Paul - the parallel with Tebbit is exactly right. Greaves has his fans among activists but has always been the sort of awkward-squader more likely to enhance support for the leadership than draw from it.
ReplyDeleteElephunt - completely the reverse based on my discussions. Those who had their doubts about Ming largely had those doubts because of a perceived caution in precisely that direction and were immensely pleased with exactly that line.
I dont remember Greaves being that kind to Kennedy when he was in charge. That is, however, until the knives were sharpening...
ReplyDeleteLord Beard's wife tells me he's never worn sandals. He does clearly have a beard, however.
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