Knives sharpened for Tory leader as confidence vote called

THE political future of Iain Duncan Smith as leader of the conservative party may be decided today when the powerful 1922 Tory backbench committee orders him to face a vote of confidence.

It follows demands of 25 MPs required for such a challenge and it comes in the wake of a particularly damaging anti-Duncan Smith campaign, notably mounted by so-called hidden plotters and highly critical leaks of his abilities to the media.

So by this evening, following the vote of confidence at the committee hearing, either all assembled MPs will vote to reinforce his authority leaving his position unchallenged to fight the next election.

Or alternatively, if he loses out, the process of electing another leader will be put in train. Even here, Mr Duncan Smith could be re-elected as he has positively declared he will again be a candidate.

Whatever the outcome of these critical votes, the general view is that this political boil has to be lanced as the damage to the party and prospects for a general election victory would be incalculable.

The real question for tory MPs today in assessing the quality of candidates is whether a new leader would be able to end the turmoil and restore the confidence of its supporters.

On that basis, MPs felt it necessary to challenge their leader at this critical time in British political life as it perceives weakness in the Labour administration.

The view was hardening last night that Mr Duncan Smith’s chances of successfully retaining his post are winning in another contest was seen as particularly slim.

The refusal of Mr Duncan Smith to stand down in the face of such opposition and the vote of confidence has been widely admired in the party but the general consensus, at least among his critics, is that authoritative leadership is required rather than personal respect.

However, one indisputable factor about Mr Duncan Smith’s chances of retaining the leadership is that he retains substantial support from constituency voters in his first election as against that from MPs.

While there is an understandable reluctance among Tory MPs to name a possible challenger and successor, the name of the shadow chancellor, Michael Howard is the most favoured name at the moment.

He is certainly experienced, previously holding ministerial office and as shadow chancellor has an excellent knowledge of economics which it is felt would be invaluable either as the new Tory leader or even prime minister.

The past challengers Michael Portillo and Kenneth Clarke have indicated that they do not propose in any circumstances to stand for the leadership. Also in the frame now are Michael Ancram and David Davis.