Fishburn Hedges

26.05.2010

Ok, maybe not. But the 1922 Committee is a very important institution in the parliamentary Conservative Party, with a fiercely-defended role in representing backbenchers’ views to the party leadership. That’s why Cameron’s attempt to redraw its voting is such a big deal: it’s picking a fight – and it is a fight – with a big beast.It’s also more powerful with Graham Brady as chair. He’s known for resigning over grammar schools, an emotional issue for many Tory MPs. He’s also been quietly impressive on the Treasury Select Committee: much lower-profile than terrier-like John McFall, but measured and effective.He could be a 1922 chair to watch.After all, the committee is named after the chaotic year* where backbench Tory MPs decided to overthrow their coalition with the Liberals.Foremost among the plotters then was Stanley Baldwin, who went on to be Prime Minister - three times.It’s easy to exaggerate here. But despite Cameron’s best efforts, the 1922 shouldn’t be underestimated. If the Tory old guard are further provoked, Brady could be a focus for dissent.  * This election was brilliant fun for a historical nerd – all those guessing games about which election this would mimic. 1992? 1974? 1923? I reckon 1841, personally - trouble in Afghanistan, and a Tory leader generally seen as a moderniser with a taste for reform. This is a bad analogy for the Tories. They split, and the Liberals went on to dominate for 20 years…