Insubordination

The news that the Conservative Party are selecting army veterans of Afghanistan to counter the perception of career politicians (going from departmental policy wonks straight into safe party seats) dominating Westminster is a smart move  not just for the ostensible reason.  The army is one of the few institutions left in this country which has retained its standing down the years (the police have had a precipitate fall in respect over the last decade for a series of scandals and cover-ups).  I agree that people with ‘life experience’ outside Portcullis House is vital to the health of a democracy and to the efficiency of whatever government is in power.  But the comments of one prospective MP was telling.

Thomas Tugendhat, a former aide to the Chief of the Defence Staff who fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan, said that politicians with military backgrounds would ensure leaders remain accountable for their actions.  Actually, a soldier’s duty is to follow unquestioningly their superior officer’s orders.  A court-martial would determine whether a leader overstepped the mark or not.  Mr Tugendhat added further sulphur to the mix by stating “when you’re on operations, you live with the consequences of political decisions [my italics] every minute of every day,” This all seems to suggest he is a rebellious Tory MP in the making.  This could explain why the 2010 intake for the Tories, when the party made a committed effort to select from ‘ordinary’ people, has caused such ructions for David Cameron.  Coming from small domains in which they rule supreme, be they small business owners, doctors, etc. they believe it is their inalienable right to be independent and not just lobby fodder.  The Conservatives need to select more carefully if they are not to appear divided.