THE Tory elder statesman, Lord Howe, has spoken out strongly against the Conservative's advert portraying Mr Blair as a ventriloquist's dummy on the knee of Dr Kohl.
The pro European former foreign secretary told the Times newspaper of his disappointment that Mr Major should have "gone against his natural instincts" to defend something which could damage Britain's relations with the EU and Germany.
The advert was also described as "offensive" by 20 people who complained to the Advertising Standards Authority, which will decide on Monday whether there is a case for investigation.