Tories turn on leader (Iain Duncan Smith Wavers On Iraq)

The Times (London) ^ | 5 June 2003 | Melissa Kite

[Stultis]

June 05, 2003

Tories turn on leader
By Melissa Kite, Political Correspondent

IAIN DUNCAN SMITH faced an Iraq backlash of his own last night after changing his position on the war to join the calls for an inquiry.

The Tory Leader was accused by his MPs of a misjudgment after he challenged Tony Blair to order a full judicial inquiry. He claimed the credibility of the Prime Minister and the Intelligence services had been called into question.

Some Tories were furious at the change of position. They had been pleased with the party position in backing the Government on Iraq, believing that it had done much to boost the standing of the party in the public eye. They had not expected their leader to then join a rebellion led by left-wing Labour rebels.

As Mr Duncan Smith attacked Mr Blair’s handling of the war, at times shouting at the top of his voice, Tory MPs shifted uneasily. There was barely a murmur of support.

A former member of the Shadow Cabinet later commented: “We should have remained rock solid behind the Government.”

[Stultis]

Haven't seen any video or transcripts, but this sounds unfortunate. I was so proud of the stand that Duncan Smith took on Iraq, and it was such a wonderful contrast to our own opposition party here in America.

Stick with principle, Iain, and lead the Conservative Party to power, please!

[BlueNgold]

Saw it on CSpan and was unaware of Mr. Duncan Smith's position. I had assumed (and disregarded) it as one of the liberal resignees ranting. One more item in my continuing education.

[yonif]

I saw it on CSPAN too. He was such an idiot for doing so.

[Torie]

The Tory party is really in a bad way. Part of it is the parliamentary system. In that system, the duty of the opposition is to oppose. The system has its strengths and weaknesses, but unless Blair really goes nutter over compromising British freedom of action on defense and foreign policy (as opposed to economic policy, where its just saying no to Europe as problematic economic consequences), there really isn't much room in the public square for the Tories these days, unless and until perhaps Blair retires. The Tories are close to the point where they will cede the opposition to the Liberal Democrats, who are now the voice of a more generous social welfare state, pro international constructs, skeptical of American influences, and British alliances with American foreign policy endeavors. Duncan-Smith can't really compete with them when it comes to making a case that Blair was a disingenuous American symp. If a majority of the public believes that, they will go Liberal Democrat rather than Tory.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Just posted this:

IRAQ: WMD source 'was senior Iraqi officer'

A senior Iraqi officer on active service within the country's military provided British intelligence last August with the information that Iraq could fire chemical or biological warheads within 45 minutes of Saddam Hussein giving the order, according to senior Whitehall officials.

[Pukin Dog]

I saw this.

In 60 seconds, Smith destroyed any good will the Tories had developed with the people of England. It was so bad, I thought I was watching Tom Daschle.

Iain Duncan Smith want so badly to be Prime Minister, he through all principle out the window, and attacked Blair, thinking he might just be on his way out.

Bush and Blair are going to knock heads with the truth, and the Tories will suffer defeat for another decade thanks to Smith.

[Sloth]

WTH is going on in Britain? The liberal PM sides with the right-wing hawks, and the conservative leader sides with the leftists? Bizarre.

[Republican Wildcat]

It is indeed--parties in Britain are traditionally more cohesive than in the US. The Whips typically keep party members in line.

[McGavin999]

Ian blew it big time. This guy just isn't ready for prime time and I suggest the Tories find someone better to lead them. His attack was so bad it took my breath away. Not the attack so much as the tremendous stupidity to make it.

[Billthedrill]

Bad show. The problem with this sort of tawdry opportunism (Mark Steyn's description) in a multiparty system is that while if it works it may motivate the voter to vote against the other fellow it doesn't necessarily give him or her a reason to vote for you.