We need more Kwartengs in the Commons. We risk having fewer.
We want backbenchers who speak their minds, who level with the voters, who don’t try to spin us – who are authentic, and can depart from the front bench line if they disagree with it.
Or do we?
Consider the case of Kwasi Kwarteng who, the Independent informed us yesterday, was “secretly recorded” saying the following at a meeting hosted by the Institute of Economic Affairs:
“We have always been very clear that deficit reduction is absolutely important and if you are going to reduce the deficit then everything should be put on the table and considered equally,” Mr Kwarteng told a meeting of the right-wing think-tank the Institute of Economic Affairs. “It’s common knowledge that there has been a consensus on international aid… that we should ring-fence that, [and] on health spending. I think that consensus will be under a lot of strain given the budget realities.” He added: “That will force change in the political discussion.”
(Actually, goodness knows why the Independent needed a secret recording of anything since, as the IEA points out, the meeting was an on the record briefing to which the whole lobby was invited. But I digress.)
The main point is this. You may believe that NHS spending should be ringfenced during the next Parliament or you may not. Kwarteng – not being a member of the Conservative front bench – is free to believe either and, what’s more, to say what he thinks...
To read the full article and an associated video interview with Kwasi click here