WILLLIAM Hague's hollow boasts about improving the Tories' poll rating is merely an exercise in papering over the cracks of what is left of his extreme and divided party. It shows the desperation of the Tories that they have to launch a massive fanfare about one private poll that puts them well behind Labour.
It is clear why they are making such a fuss. Hague wants to cover up the divisions that reach right to the top of his party. The poll came on the same day that the newspapers were full of a fresh bout of in-fighting between the Hague and Portillo camps. The state of affairs is farcical.
Hague's camp is accusing Portillo of going AWOL during the local election campaign. Portillo's camp is briefing against Hague's weak leadership and cynical opportunism and are stressing Portillo's keenness to distance himself from Hague. And, on top of this, Francis Maude is refusing to comment on reports that he is at war with Hague over the role of his press supremo, Amanda Platell.
It all goes to show the true shambolic state of today's Tories. A leader too weak to lead, a party too extreme to be led. it is little wonder they have to crow about a poll that puts them eight points behind, to try and hide it.
P Ferguson
Dentdale Close
Bolton
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