EVEN though it entails embracing the man lusting for his job, Tory leader William Hague has displayed some sharp political nous in bringing ex-Cabinet member Michael Portillo back to the front bench in the role of Shadow Chancellor.

For though it may be only a little more than two months since Mr Portillo got back into Parliament, it was a waste for a man of his experience and stature to be on the back-benches when the party's lack of fire-power in terms of damage to Labour is clear from its standing in the opinion polls.

But in pitching Mr Portillo against the government's strongest point - the economy - and at the same time holding a post so closely tied to the leadership, the Shadow Chancellor is made far from able to dissociate himself from Hague if the Tories are defeated a second time.

He will also be less able to make himself a rallying point away from his boss's scrutiny for a leadership challenge.

He has been restored to prominence, largely on Mr Hague's shrewd terms.

Mr Portillo's ambitions will have to find a way of slipping the leash.

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