Cameron is lucky that the Tory party rejected its most popular MP’s third attempt to become leader in 2005. Many believe that Kenneth Clarke would have been a bolder leader, whose opposition to ideological tax cuts would have provided the “Clause Four moment” that Cameron believes unnecessary. The two men are not natural allies, and Clarke rejected appeals from Cameron to hold back from running. A passionate pro-European, Clarke remains a threat because a principled resignation from such a prominent figure would spark a crisis
for the leader.
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