Osborne backed by big beast Clarke

SHADOW CHANCELLOR George Osborne won a much needed boost from Tory heavy-weight Kenneth Clarke today.

The former chancellor defended Mr Osborne from attacks by his Conservative critics, claiming he had been "targeted in a personalised political campaign".

Some Tory MPs have been mobilising for Mr Clarke or William Hague to replace Mr Osborne in the wake of "Yachtgate" and Labour's strong performance in the polls. But Mr Clarke said: "I think my name is being used as part of this attempt to undermine George. I think for David Cameron to replace George Osborne with me or anybody else would be a serious political mistake.

"The impression it would give of self doubt, division and sudden loss of confidence in what we have been saying would be catastrophic. It would be a triumph for opponents of the Conservative Party."