When Iain Duncan Smith took over as leader of the Tory party Michael Portillo's supporters were delighted - and right wingers horrified - by his adoption of much of the modernising agenda. So now he appears to have torn up that strategy the modernisers are unhappy, while some right wingers just deplore the tactics.
Michael Portillo has long been eyed with distrust and suspicion by those close to the current Conservative leadership, just as he was by those around William Hague and John Major.
But now there's one big difference - Mr Portillo says he no longer wants to be leader.
Urbane and insightful
He would say that, but it is likely he really has calculated that for the moment the Conservative Party will not accept him.
 Mr Portillo spoke to the BBC |
Perhaps, unable to wear the crown, he has now wielded the dagger. If so this is the kind of wound that will not kill at once but fester dangerously.
Since he lost the leadership race and left the front bench Mr Portillo has sounded more like an urbane and insightful commentator than a regular politician.
This makes his interview all the more damaging.
Leadership challenge
While many conservative MPs may curse him for speaking out few would disagree with his analysis.
Mr Duncan Smith has single-handedly conjured a crisis out of thin air.
If many more speak their minds a leadership challenge could be just round the corner.
But even if they wait conservative MPs are left, once again, rather bewildered by their leader's political judgement.
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