What the Tories think of James Purnell
Peter Hoskin 10:37am
Ok, so it seems like you CoffeeHousers generally don't agree with our appraisal of James Purnell (exemplified by Fraser's article "Meet James Purnell: the best hope Labour has of avoiding disaster"). But what does the Tory party think of the work and pensions secretary? Here's a hefty quote from Tara Hamilton-Miller's excellent article in the New Statesman today, outlining just that:
"Back in the office, Tories have been checking out James Purnell, the new young buck many suggest could be the saviour of Brown's crumbling party. The Central Office staff don't get it. Says one Tory aide: "He's a boy. I'm not convinced his own party buy him. Surely this is a case of hype from a desperate left, bandying about names of possible successors?"
There are apparently those in the government who are hoping that Purnell will lead them. And there are those in the Tory party hoping Purnell will assist them.
One Tory strategist is grateful to him: "Labour is now attempting to do the heavy lifting on welfare reform: they feel they need to. The likes of Purnell are making it acceptable to question those welfare recipients who see handouts as a way of life. This is good for us; it means we can be radical without any of the usual finger-pointing."
A colleague disagrees: "It's less about finger-pointing. Purnell's strategy is all about positioning himself. It is literally impossible to deliver anything he says before the end of this parliament. If he starts these pilot projects, great. It means we can get more done, more quickly, should we form the next government.
"If he wants to mark himself out as the heir to Blair and he loses, his political career could be over by the time he's 40," he adds, not entirely displeased."
Previous
Comments
Travis Bickle
July 24th, 2008 12:16pmCaveat Emptor
Young Mr Purnell reminds me very much of a couple of people I used to work with in different jobs, who in discussions with their colleagues were obviously far from impressive and knowledgeable, yet for some reason both managed to fast track the promotion ladder through their uncanny ability to sell themselves to the right people. Meanwhile far more talented people, who couldn't play the political game, stood on and wondered how people they wouldn't even employ got to be managers...
ps watch the look of total bewilderment and lack of understanding at any points made in interview to Purnell, plus the slight grin when it is clearly all over his head, and you will know exactly what I mean.
Ian C
July 24th, 2008 12:27pmIt wass rather badly put as 'not about finger pointing'. Surely the relevance of the remarks made by that Tory is that they are being given a green light politically and intellectually to go where no post-1960's politician has been prepared to go. In other words, the intellectual battle is over (as with Crime see Danny Finkelstein in yesterday's Times)and we can finally begin to end the bleeding heart emotion over those who are disadvantaged and put in place real policies that work for both recipient and society.
The irony is that this argument has finally been won because of the failings of a socialist government whilst stil in power (well, nominally in power!).
fulcanelli
July 24th, 2008 1:14pmPurnell is another Labour idiot who, quite frankly, stole these recent welfare reform proposals from the Conservatives.
It's doubtful he will manage to get these reforms passed in time, but if he does it certainly aids the transition to a future Tory government. He is not, however, serious Labour leader material. If Brown remains until the next election, assuming a heavy loss, the party will undoubtedly shift to a left leaning leader.
Purnell is another overhyped politician. The last thing we need is another Blair clone.
Liz Brown
July 24th, 2008 1:24pmI cannot for the life of me fathom why Purnell is such a hit with peter and Fraser -s is there someting we should perhaps be told? I am sure that he is pleasant and blh blh but he is, like the other lsors - sowhatballusp, Milliepedes and etcs nothing other than a glorified policy wonk, parachuted into a safe seat on the back of no qualities whatsoever
Guinty
July 24th, 2008 5:54pmTime to defer to Quentin Letts' sketch piece on James Purnell from Tuesday's Mail..
"Mr Purnell for Labour leader? Nah.
He's even worse than David Miliband. At least Miliband is quirky.
Purnell is just nothingness, the political equivalent of under-flavoured crab paste."
Yes folks - he's blander than inoffensive CRABE PASTE..