IT is true to say that during the Blair years, too many discredited politicians have been allowed to hang on when it was clear they had to go - Peter Mandelson, Stephen Byers and David Blunkett being just three examples of men the Prime Minister tried to save against a tide of public opinion.

But just as it can be a mistake to be wait too long before wielding the axe, it can also be a mistake to be too quick and brutal in the execution.

Despite his public defiance, that is what Tory leader Michael Howard is finding over his decision to sack Howard Flight as an election candidate.

There is no doubt that Mr Flight had to go as deputy chairman of the party after his embarrassing mistake in suggesting that the Tories were planning additional public service spending cuts.

Mr Howard clearly believed that by displaying a ruthless streak, it would send a message that he was tough enough to lead the country.

But he would have been wise to have allowed the local members of the Arundel and South Downs constituency to consider Mr Flight's future before he unilaterally declared that he was an election non-runner.

Mr Howard might have the rules of the party's constitution on his side, but leadership sometimes means taking the views of others into consideration.

By acting too hastily, the Tory leader finds himself in a mess which will become far deeper if the constituency association decides to oppose his decision.

With the election due to be called any day, it all adds up to a distraction the Tories can ill afford.