So John Hutton is quitting as Defence Secretary – this was NOT in the script. Lord Mandeson said only an hour ago that “I believe you will find the entire Cabinet following the PM and nobody following James’s lead”. But Hutton, an arch-Blairite who was made to distance himself from James Purnell’s resignation last night, is on his way out.
This will be an agonosing wrench for Hutton, who loved defence so much that in his old job (Work & Pensions Secretary) he would finish early, head over to the National Archives at Kew and go and research his various defence projects: books, plays etc. He felt passionately about the importance of our involvement in Afghanistan, the need to be vigilant on Iran and he felt in a minority there. As a hawk, in a government that skimps on defence, he fought like a tiger for resources to go to Helmand – ie the 2,000 more troops.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in