The Bourne Erratum

Nick Bourne has finally taken responsibility for the dossier attacking Rhodri Morgan's leadership, sartorial style and personal grooming. He had previously denied that it had been issued by him, stating instead that it was the work of the Conservative Party. Now he has admitted that he did in fact sign it off and has apologised to his own party workers for implying that he hadn't. Bourne also agreed that the document had gone too far in its portrayal of the First Minister as the 'Clown Prince of Wales'.

There had been word that as a result of the dossier Bourne's position was up for discussion by the Conservative Party. It would be a shame for the Welsh Conservatives if Bourne's apology means that his leadership is no longer considered. With both Labour and the Lib Dems electing new leaders in the near future, the Tories will be the only party with the same leader as in 1999 and risk being seen as stale and old-hat.