29 July 2007

Graham Brady wants the best of both worlds

Graham Brady wants a return to grammar schools, a policy that is an instant turn-off to many of the people David Cameron is trying to attract to the party.

Today he has criticised David Cameron for not appealing to those very voters his grammar school ethos turns off the most.

It disappoints me to see a Conservative MP wanting to have his cake and eat it in this way, we are much, much better than this.

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31 May 2007

Graham Brady and the results are everything approach

Graham Brady has written quite a thought provoking article in the Telegraph today. However, it is yet another education article written solely from the perspective that the only important thing about children's education is results. The article is flawed in another way too - selection is not the only route to excellent results anyway - it is only one.

But, to me, the purpose of children's education is to develop well-rounded individuals and to prepare them for the next stage in their lives. I accept that qualifications are an importnat part of that. But I would argue that surrounding young people with an acedemic elite is less likely to provide the same rounded perspective that can be gained from enabling children to mix with peers of mixed backgrounds, abilities and talents - and that is the advantage that Comprehensives offer.

I would like to say that I feel that the debate within the Conservative Party has been very, very healthy.

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29 May 2007

Graham Brady - A matter of principle?

I agree with most of what Iain Dale has said on his blog about Graham Brady's resignation. I agree with him that Graham Brady will benefit from resigning (more so than if he had waited to be pushed). I also agree that the so-called anonymous briefings do not help. If politicians cannot be up front and have their comments attributed to them they shouldn't bother. What is wrong with someone in the whips office saying "it is expected that Shadow Cabinet members air their grievances in private, Graham Brady has been reminded of this"? I suspect it would have achieved the same outcome, but would have been far more honest and in-tune with how politics should be conducted.

Where I disagree with Iain is where he says:

"By provoking a resignation in this way, the Party hierarchy has shown it will brook no dissent from its MPs (and candidates, I guess)"

To me, forcing Graham Brady's resignation shows that a Shadow Minister is expected to be loyal; it sends no message whatsoever about backbenchers or candidates.

One other aspect of this is the implication that Grammar Schools are the only solution to social mobility. They are one solution and one that works - but good comprehensive education is also a legitimate vehicle for academically capable children - I see it every single day though the example of my own children and others. That is where I disagree with Graham Brady and why it is right that he should not air his views publicly whilst he is on the Conservative Front Bench. His views undermine the great work that is being done through gifted and talented programs to nurture bright children and ensure the social mobility that he implies comprehensive education cannot provide.

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28 May 2007

Graham Brady MP to be sacked?

I'm not about to engage in Westminster gossip, I try to leave that to others (that is not to say I disapprove but that I recognise that other bloggers are better positioned to do it), but this article in the Telegraph which suggests that Graham Brady, Shadow Minister for Europe, is to be sacked, highlights an important issue.

Having a system where every MP of a particular party is expected to toe the line is not in the best interests of anyone; a party full of clones would lose its appeal and would undermine politics - it is one of the reasons why I find it difficult to respect all the New Labour stooges who vote in support of the Labour leadership when their vote is totally against the principles they stood for as an MP (and in some cases totally contrary to a manifesto they campaigned for).

However, I think it is reasonable to expect that a Shadow Cabinet Minister should toe the line and respect the policies put forward. You would expect him to argue his particular case in the right arena (such as within the cabinet), and if he has a real conscientious objection to policy, to resign and make his case from the backbenches. United leadership is just as important as allowing some rebellion amongst party ranks.

So should Graham Brady be sacked. I am in two minds; it depends on whether this is one of many issues where he has undermined the leadership, and I am not in a position to judge. He should certainly have had his runes read to him.

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