8 stinging criticisms of the Tory Party in a single interview – from Ken Clarke

There are some quite remarkable comments from Tory grandee over at the New Statesman this afternoon. In an interview with Anoosh Chakelian, the former Chancellor attacks his party as “too right wing”, suggests they’ve failed on the “single biggest issue” for the country, warns against writing “blank cheques” (which Osborne has done for the past week) and is critical of the personal nature of the Tory campaign. Here are 8 of the most stinging criticisms from Clarke’s interview:

1. Says the Tories have failed to reshape the economy, which he says is the “single biggest issue” for the country

“We still have not created a rebalanced, modern, competitive economy, which can start producing sustainable rises in living standards and employment laws, and I think it is the single biggest issue affecting the country at the moment – that’s my genuine view…”

2. Implies the way the Tory campaign has talked about the economy is wrong

“You do need to campaign, and talk about the economy in a different way”

3. Says the public are “resentful” towards the Tory government

4. Warns that the economy is “fragile” and can be damaged by “silly things”

5. Attacks politicians for “signing up to blank cheques” (as Osborne has done this week)

6. Reminds everyone that the Tories haven’t won an election for 23 years…

“I belong to the Conservative party that usually won elections! Before 1992, the Conservative party had been the national governing party of the country for most of my lifetime. And most elections I fought the Conservative party had won. And now we haven’t been able to win an election for 23 years.”

7. …and says that’s because the Tories are “too right wing”

8. Says he dislikes personal attacks such as Michael Fallon’s recent comments about Ed Miliband:

“I disapprove of personal attacks on your opponents. I’ve never done that. I also think it costs you votes.”

Ouch…