Clarke promotes himself as “big beast” to lead Tories

Ken Clarke has called on the Conservatives to select a “big beast” politician to lead them back into power during a speech at the party conference in Blackpool on Tuesday.

The former Chancellor emphasised his age and experience in his appeal for party support, telling the delegates that he was the only candidate who could lead the party to victory over Labour. He admitted that while he may not be “everyone’s cup of tea”, he could lead the party “unspun” towards renewed electoral success.

Mr Clarke said: “I don’t know about you, but I’m fed up with our party losing elections. We used to be members of a party that won elections. In fact, we won so many that we were able to change the political and economic landscape hugely for the better. In the 21st century, we can and must do the same.

“If you are sometimes fed up and angry about our plight – as I am – you have a choice. You can give up, bail out and call it a day. Or you can get stuck in, decide to fight and give it your all. That is what I intend to do – and I know it is what you intend to do.”

The former Chancellor described his values as “mainstream Conservative” – strong defence, low taxation, smarter and honest government, market economics, law and order, the family. He said: “Our philosophy is rooted in the tolerant instincts of the British people. It places faith in the individualism and civic energy of our citizens.”

Mr Clarke also savagely attacked his successor, Gordon Brown’s record on the economy. He said: “Remember the strong economy, which Labour inherited from us in 1997: low inflation, steady growth; falling debt. We were creating a modern enterprise economy.

“Up until now, Gordon Brown has had a good run, on the back of the tough decisions, which we took a decade ago. But today, the British economy is at risk. At risk from big spending, from high taxes and from too much debt.

“The tragedy is that Gordon Brown could have done great things with our inheritance. But he’s blown it. He has turned out to be just another tax and spend Labour Chancellor, but on a lucky streak.”

Mr Clarke said that the target of getting public spending down to 40% of national wealth should once again be the Conservatives’ goal.

Referring to criticism that, at 65, he might be too old to become party leader, Mr Clarke said: “David Willetts keeps telling us that we will all need to work harder and retire later. I am determined to do my bit.

“I have put in a job application for a new, rather demanding job this December.

“That job will be to lead this party back to power and to lead this country into a better, more confident future.”

Later today (Wednesday), David Davis will take to the podium to deliver his pitch for the Conservative party leadership.

(KMcA/SP)