James Cleverly's Off-Color Jokes Raise Concerns About Liability

James Cleverly, a Tory leadership candidate and Shadow Home Secretary, faced scrutiny over his history of making inappropriate jokes, including one about date-rape drugs. During an interview with Sir Trevor Phillips, he was questioned about his lower popularity among MPs compared to the general public, despite having held significant positions such as Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary. Cleverly defended his record, stating that he has been a team player and has promoted the ideas of others. However, the controversy surrounding his comments, including a derogatory remark about Stockton-on-Tees, raises concerns about his suitability as a leader. As the Tory Party conference commenced in Birmingham, Cleverly and three other candidates were vying for leadership, with the recent voting results showing him tied for the fewest votes among MPs. This situation highlights the disconnect between public perception and parliamentary support, suggesting that his off-color humor may be a liability in his political career.