Tory steers 'criticism bandwagon' away from Cameron
Monday, 13 August 2007 12:00 AM
A senior Conservative has urged the party not to jump on the "criticism bandwagon".
Former party treasury Lord Marland of Odstock has responded to resent criticism of David Cameron by urging senior Tories to rally around their leader.
In the wake of several high-profile attacks and mounting questions over Mr Cameron's future, Lord Marland said it was time for Tory activists to "show discipline".
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph he said: "It is very unfortunate when people jump on the criticism bandwagon when you hit turbulent times because you are playing straight into the hands of our opposition.
"I would urge all supporters to keep their own counsel and to debate behind closed doors and show discipline.
Lord Marland denied Mr Cameron's leadership was faltering and instead the party was going through a "turbulent period", adding Thatcher, Major and Churchill all experienced similar setbacks.
Lord Marland argued the party's internal ruptures were merely temporary and insisted the Conservatives would rebound by the autumn.
He said: "It is the strength of the politician when they come out the other side. Don't forget that David had been ahead in the polls 18 months ago."
The Conservative Party spent the final months of Tony Blair's premiership arguing Gordon Brown was a disaster in waiting and now appear to have been caught off guard by his opinion poll boost.
David Cameron has dismissed his own tumbling standing in the polls, arguing all new prime ministers enjoy a honeymoon period.
Speaking to the newspaper, Lord Marland argued the public would soon remember how closely aligned Mr Brown had been with Mr Blair's more unpopular policies.
"The media wanted to see change. They got Gordon Brown making a play of change, wanting to disassociate himself from the Blair years and it is having an impact," he explained.
Lord Marland also responded to criticisms Mr Cameron is out of touch.
Last week former Tory donor Sir Tim Cowie withdrew his support and said he was "very, very disappointed" in Mr Cameron.
He said the Tory party was run by "arrogant" old Etonians who did not understand how people lived.
Lord Marland asked what was wrong with Eton, arguing old Etonians have the best education in the country and the party should be led by people with intelligence.
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