If Michael Howard can disown the past, so can we all

The Tory party’s embrace of Michael Howard has caused much wonderment, particularly in the liberal press. One moment shadow minister after shadow minister declares undying support for IDS, whose virtues of integrity and honour are said to be an extraordinary gift. Mr Howard himself says he has no wish other than that Mr Duncan Smith should remain leader of the Tory party. The next moment — whoosh! — the same shadow ministers are declaring their lifelong love for Mr Howard, as he clutches the cup that has been passed to him. Constituency chairmen who a few days ago publicly rubbed their eyes in disbelief and threatened a revolution if a hair on IDS’s bald pate was rearranged, also become instant converts to the charms of Mr Howard. The former home secretary, once dismissed as a slightly oily character whose very face evoked the baleful Major years, is represented as a man shaped by nature for his new role, the obvious saviour of the Tory party.