Speaking out

It also undermines David Cameron's drive to make the Conservatives more inclusive – and able to reach out to minority sections of society previously ignored by the party's white, middle class and male elite.

Yet Chris Grayling's remarks also need to be placed in the context of the General Election, and how it will be conducted. It already threatens to be the most anodyne campaign ever, with the main parties intent on scrutinising – and rubbishing – the plans of their rivals rather than focusing on their own vision.

With this void, the personal beliefs of prospective Ministers have the potential to offer a revealing insight into the future direction of policy, and where they stand as individuals. The difficulty, as Mr Grayling has discovered, is when personal views run contrary to official policy.

Criticising those who dare to speak their mind, or are caught doing so, runs the risk of the election becoming a battle of soundbites rather than a debate about ideas. As a result, the only winner will be the "apathy party".