Don't ask, don't tell over defence secretary thinking?
Perhaps the biggest curiosity of Prime Minister Gordon Brown's reshuffle is how Bob Ainsworth became defence secretary, when he was hardly the most talented minister in the lower ranks of the government.
Last night I heard the most plausible explanation so far.
It is widely thought that the job had originally been earmarked for Shaun Woodward, but at the last moment defence chiefs objected - something to do with Mr Woodward's very vocal support in the past for gay rights not going down very well in the ranks.
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I'm Michael Crick, and I'm Newsnight's political editor. My guiding rule is that in any story there's usually something the politicians would prefer the world not to know. My job is to find that out. Follow me on
Comment number 1.
At 18th Jun 2009, Chris Neal wrote:Michael,
The defence Chiefs should forgive and forget anyhow I think they'll find that having crossed the floor he now vocally supports gay lefts.
regards
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Comment number 2.
At 18th Jun 2009, barriesingleton wrote:ALTERNATIVE VIEW
I suspect military chiefs are fans of Monty Python 'gumbies' who were all lookalikes for Bob Ainsworth, and about as puzzled by dayight. For those too young, search: 'Monty Python Gumby'.
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Comment number 3.
At 18th Jun 2009, leftieoddbod wrote:Ainsworth is jobsworth who will do the bidding of anyone who 'shouts' at him, his pathetic defense of the Iraq debacle still ranks as the most supine ever seen in the house and worthy of a Boulting Brothers skit on the island of La Guardia, such is his general incompetance...
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Comment number 4.
At 18th Jun 2009, bookhimdano wrote:more interested in
A Taliban fighter killed in Afghanistan was found with an Aston Villa tattoo on his body, British soldiers claim.
The claims follow news that RAF radio spies picked up Birmingham accents while listening in to Taliban 'chatter' over the airwaves.
The military source said: "It's been well-known for some time among soldiers in Afghanistan that at least one Aston Villa fan was fighting for the Taliban.
its been no secret for ages but this is one of the few reports that mention it.
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Comment number 5.
At 18th Jun 2009, JunkkMale wrote:I must confess to being a tad uninformed on this gentleman and his 'contribution' to Gordon's GOATs.
Having now read this, we must all be inspired, and proud...
... that is, should we be living anywhere that might be hostile to our country and, especially, our armed forces.
Just to clarify, was Mr. Woodward's vocal support for gay rights, or for it not going down very well?
That way I could make a better judgement on our defence chiefs' abilities in assessing situations, apprising government of them, and being listened to.
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Comment number 6.
At 18th Jun 2009, NickBloggins wrote:Would you be interested in covering the story about 'Cleaning the Mote'?
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Comment number 7.
At 18th Jun 2009, Phillip wrote:I doubt very much that Brown takes any advice from the generals, admirals and air marshals.
He never appointed Des Browne Defence Secretary despite the military brass not wanting him. He made the Secretary of State for Defence part - time when the brass wanted a full - time minister.
No one in the military cares about the gay issue any more
This story appears complete bunkum to me.
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