Quintin Jardine's blog

I’ve been reading the headlines about Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, being careless in his use of words about immigration, and being compelled by Downing Street to back-track.

I have some knowledge of Mr Fallon, albeit from 30 years ago, when I spent quite a lot of time with him. He is a very smart guy, and unless he has changed he is a man who knows exactly what he is saying, and is aware of its effects. He knew he would generate headlines, and in the process, raise his own profile with the right of his party, the people who will choose its next leader, possibly within the next twelve months.

As for Downing Street ‘slapping him down’, that was a sham. A few million Tory voters are on Fallon’s side, and Dave knows it.