Nick Robinson thinks that the row started by David Willetts over grammar schools, or more precisely, academic selection, yesterday was a deliberate effort by the Tories to capitalise on thr sense of "change" being felt in political circles as Gordon Brown finally gets a firm grip on the top job.
It would be nice for those on the Right to think so. But the ham-fisted way Willetts's speech was handled by the Tories which meant his message ended up being "We're ditching selection and following Blair" when the reality was far more interesting rather points against the Robinson theory.
Whenever these questions come up, VFTN is always inclined to believe cock-up rather than conspiracy.
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It is interesting that, living in one of the Conservative "flagship" northern councils, one where the Grammar Schools/11 plus system are so proudly retained, I have noticed so little hue and cry about DC's comments.
I think this subject will soon be forgotten. It was unnecessary for Cameron to raise it, and, in truth, is a bit of a "non issue". As always, the opposition will win the election when the country is simply fed up with the government of the day.
I still think that Cameron was trying to ignite some Clause 4 style debate (my own take is here.
I do think that Cameron is spending this time in opposition as many oppositions do, rather opportunistically testing the waters to see exactly what rope the public will give him. Unfortunately it appears that these attempts are just a touch ham-fisted. however "thoughtful" the position was, he allowed himself to get sucked into the wider selection debate, which is an obvious corollary of the grammar argument. Not clever, especially as most parents (I happen to think correctly) have 'issues' with mixed ability teaching, especially when one factors Special Needs into the equation.
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