h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Politics again, the scrappy post-defeat posturing of the Conservative party. This is, of course, the real fun - the main event you might say after the non-event election.

Who will replace William Hague as leader of the beleagured Tories? The options...

Michael Portillo? (Slimy, shifty - though has shown a human side and moved from far-right to centre ground on a 'caring-conservatism' ticket. While some might say he's an opportunist, he's got former PM John Major's backing)

Iain Duncan-Smith? (Right-winger, holds Norman Tebbit's old seat. Expected to get Maggie Thatcher's backing. Had a PR disaster with his announcement to run as one of his aides announced his intentions while he was still denying them).

David Davies? (Non-entity back-bencher, also right wing - not connected with the shadow cabniet of the last five years, could offer a fresh approach).

Some other chap we haven't thought of.

I wonder - what about former Chancellor Ken Clarke (charismatic, real-ale drinker, loved by the party faithful but... pro-european and pro-single currency)

Will Ann Widdecome's not standing, can't stand Portillo position have an effect on anyone's opinion. Possibly not.

Question . . . If they choose someone unelectable again, will the Tory party cease to be an opposition to Mr. Blair's centre-left (Conservative) Labour party.

Let battle commence . . .

Kenneth Clarke is standing. . . finally a pro-European candidate, that should spice up the argument.

Also Michael Ancram - former Tory party Chairman standing on the anyone but Portillo ticket.
Only two candidates will be chosen by the parliamentary Conservatives to be put forward to the party faithfully (the grey haired, knitting-needle, low tax fearsome vote!)

Should be interesting but the contest won't be resolved until Sept. Still, with probably over four years until the next general election (which they'll doubtless lose as well) - what's the rush!

So the line up is...

Michael Ancram, Kenneth Clarke, David Davis, Ian Duncan-Smith & Michael Portillo.

What a fine range of choices. I've just enjoyed an entertaining edition of 'Question Time' on BBC1 with the five fighting it out to make themselves look honest, believable and different from each other.

I think the smart money is on Kenneth Clarke - if he can garner enough support in the Parliamentary Conservative party to get his name on the ballot of the party faithful.

If not - Portillo.

Still, it's not too drawn out. . . We should know by September!

The smart money may well be on Ken Clarke, but the smart money hasn't been a member of the Tory party for a while now.