The BBC’s Chief Political Correspondent, Laura Kuenssberg, yesterday tweeted remarks made by David Cameron about the need for more discussion within the coalition before decisions are made. Simon Hughes’ intervention on council tenancies appears to indicate that the Prime Minister has failed to heed his own advice.
Yesterday afternoon, Laura Kuenssberg tweeted:
“The PM says coalition is a ‘proper partnership’ but there has to be more discsussions and ‘workings out’ before decisions are made”
But just a day later, Simon Hughes tells the Evening Standard’s Paul Waugh:
“The ideas put forward by David Cameron this week in no way represent the policy of the coalition and certainly do not represent the policy of the Liberal Democrats.
“We will not let anybody have their homes taken away. We must continue to suppport established and cohesive communities where people have the security of knowing that they will continue to have a home.”
What Paul Waugh reveals next is revealing:
I’m told (not by the man himself, I stress) that Mr Hughes ‘exploded’ last night when he heard of the Cameron words.
He had first got wind of the controversial proposal recently when Andrew Stunnell flagged it up in the party hierarchy. He warned ministers that the party should ‘not touch this with a bargepole’ but it seems there was confusion as to whether Nick Clegg was alerted of the concerns.
Crucially, Hughes appears to have been assured that no announcement was going to be made on the subject until after discussions within the coalition.
Although Simon Hughes had urged the government to “slow down” on cuts to housing benefit, sounded a warning shot on the VAT rise, and indicated his initial desire for a Lib-Lab coalition, Mr Hughes has – until this point – been a strong public defender of the coalition’s policies. Just two weeks ago, he wrote in the Guardian, “in 10 weeks we have achieved greater political change than I could have ever imagined.” If Cameron wants him to return to this championing role, he’ll need to consult him a bit more.
UPDATE 14.09
After Simon Hughes tells the World at One, “It is not a Liberal Democrat policy, it is not a coalition policy. It was not in the election manifesto of either party, it was not in the coalition agreement.”, Sunder Katwala observes at Next Left that:
“Downing Street wanted to make very clear indeed that that Nick Clegg bloke was obviously not speaking for the government when, erm, taking Prime Minister’s questions as deputy Prime Minister.
“Perhaps they could now tell us if the same applies to the PM.”
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28 Responses to “David Cameron should listen to his own advice”
Will Straw
rebjn – This does, indeed, sound like a good way to undertake policy making in the UK. But you’d think that Cameron would clear with his own coalition partners that the idea was just a ‘starter for 10’ before mouthing off about it. Simon Hughes clearly thinks it’s policy or at least very close to policy otherwise he would have given a political answer and said, “This was only ever a suggestion and I know that Lib Dem voters will have concerns with it so I will be representing that point of view in discussions with my colleagues”. Instead he’s gone on the warpath and briefed loudly that the Prime Minister doesn’t speak for the Government!
David Cameron should listen to his own advice « The best Labour blogs
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Evidence based? Really?
Will,
Because there is no possible way that Simon Hughes might just be sounding off because he wants to improve his position and is using the media as a conduit to do so? It is clear he doesn’t disagree with many in his own party, he stating through the media is hardly indicative of anything but his ego. Think Treasury vs number 10 under Brown/Blair.
Evidence based? Really?
Should read *does disagree with many in his own party*
Anon E Mouse
Will – Which sounds good but the trouble is most people really aren’t interested in politics, preferring football, Big Brother or Jordan (or a combination of the three).
Secondly, leaving aside the BBC, the media in our country is pretty much right wing – Labour only has the Daily Mirror supporting it and employing Kevin McGuire as a columnist prevents it from being taken seriously which would not work in your favour.
This (again) really is a storm in a teacup and I seem to remember Labour trying to do a similar thing themselves and as for a “warpath” get a grip William. Warpath? From Simon Hughes? Please.
As to the policy itself why should someone who is single when his or her parents die have a right to their house, which belongs to the council anyway and may be three bedroomed when they live alone?
That’s not fair on other needy people, especially those with families who live in the area – I know your article is about the “spat” and not the actual issue but if it needs discussion let’s do it in Parliament with our elected officials please – that’s what we pay the buggers for.
I still think it’s nice to get away from the spin doctor stage managed zombie government that went before…
And as for Sunder Katwala’s remarks… well he would say that wouldn’t he.