Clarke to speak on civil service reform
Former Tory Chancellor of the Exchequer Kenneth Clarke returns to the Dispatch Box today to lead the debate on the civil service reform for the opposition.
Mr Clarke turned down a job in the shadow cabinet after Michael Howard replaced Iain Duncan Smith as leader last November but was offered the chance to speak on important issues from time to time.
Mr Clarke – who appears to have given up the ghost of becoming Tory leader after two bites of the cherry – have been offered the chance to speak by Michael Howard – despite not having an official front bench brief.
Mr Clarke sits on the Tory leader’s advisory council, alongside John Major, William Hague and Iain Duncan Smith, Michael Howard’s team of so-called “wise men.”
Mr Clarke’s visit to the Dispatch Box is his first since 1997.
Mr Clarke said last night: “The case for laws to protect the independence and impartiality of the civil service have never been stronger.
“Standards in public life matter, the civil service itself wants protection from party politics, it is time that the Government listened and restored its damaged reputation.”
