Menu
30/10/2003
IDS loses Tory no confidence vote
The Quiet Man of British politics, Ian Duncan Smith, departed Conservative Central Office last night for the comparative calm of the backbenches after he failed to win a crucial confidence vote.
Sir Michael Spicer, the chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee, announced at 7pm last night that IDS had lost the motion by 90-75 votes – his two-year tenure was over. And in so doing, the Tories had conspired to see an end to their third leader in six years.
Shortly afterwards, Mr Duncan Smith, flanked by his frontbench team and escorted by his wife Betsy, gave a short speech to the press pack outside Central Office.
The outgoing leader stressed that he would not give public backing to any particular candidate, but he pledged to offer his successor – whomever that may be – "absolute loyalty and support".
He added: "We've had a lot of words over the last few days. This is not a time for many more. The Parliamentary Party has spoken – and I will stand down as leader when a successor has been chosen.
"I am particularly sorry that I will not have the opportunity to fulfil my promises to people in some of the poorest communities of this country. But loyally from the backbenches, I will continue my campaign for social justice.
IDS will continue to serve as leader of the party whilst a successor is found, the vote for which begins on November 11.
The MP for Chingford & Woodford Green began yesterday by doing the rounds on TV and radio, defending his record and putting a brave face on a vote that he was widely tipped to lose badly.
Up until this week, observers believed that the former British army captain would perhaps only muster 60 votes in favour, but a late rally on Wednesday saw him take 75 votes – eight short of the minimum necessary to retain his position.
Then came the Commons throng at Prime Minister's Questions, and then the task of delivering the best speech of his career to his Parliamentary Party shortly before voting began at 3.30pm. By all accounts, he achieved the latter but it was not enough for a parliamentary party, sharply divided between a traditionalist right wing and left-leaning modernisers, which has learned to dispose of its masters.
IDS supporters had pointed out (particularly since the plotting gained momentum at the Tory Party Conference earlier this month) that he must stay on as he was the first leader to be chosen by the 325,000 members of the constituency branches. Straw polls earlier this week suggested that IDS retained the support of more than three-quarters of party branches chairmen – but crucially that was not reflected in the party's 165 MPs.
While the Conservatives attempt to find another leader who will take them into the next general election – which is only 18 months away – IDS quipped that anyone who really wanted to lead the party would "need their head examined". Shadow Chancellor Michael Howard is the bookies favourite.
(gmcg)
Sir Michael Spicer, the chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee, announced at 7pm last night that IDS had lost the motion by 90-75 votes – his two-year tenure was over. And in so doing, the Tories had conspired to see an end to their third leader in six years.
Shortly afterwards, Mr Duncan Smith, flanked by his frontbench team and escorted by his wife Betsy, gave a short speech to the press pack outside Central Office.
The outgoing leader stressed that he would not give public backing to any particular candidate, but he pledged to offer his successor – whomever that may be – "absolute loyalty and support".
He added: "We've had a lot of words over the last few days. This is not a time for many more. The Parliamentary Party has spoken – and I will stand down as leader when a successor has been chosen.
"I am particularly sorry that I will not have the opportunity to fulfil my promises to people in some of the poorest communities of this country. But loyally from the backbenches, I will continue my campaign for social justice.
IDS will continue to serve as leader of the party whilst a successor is found, the vote for which begins on November 11.
The MP for Chingford & Woodford Green began yesterday by doing the rounds on TV and radio, defending his record and putting a brave face on a vote that he was widely tipped to lose badly.
Up until this week, observers believed that the former British army captain would perhaps only muster 60 votes in favour, but a late rally on Wednesday saw him take 75 votes – eight short of the minimum necessary to retain his position.
Then came the Commons throng at Prime Minister's Questions, and then the task of delivering the best speech of his career to his Parliamentary Party shortly before voting began at 3.30pm. By all accounts, he achieved the latter but it was not enough for a parliamentary party, sharply divided between a traditionalist right wing and left-leaning modernisers, which has learned to dispose of its masters.
IDS supporters had pointed out (particularly since the plotting gained momentum at the Tory Party Conference earlier this month) that he must stay on as he was the first leader to be chosen by the 325,000 members of the constituency branches. Straw polls earlier this week suggested that IDS retained the support of more than three-quarters of party branches chairmen – but crucially that was not reflected in the party's 165 MPs.
While the Conservatives attempt to find another leader who will take them into the next general election – which is only 18 months away – IDS quipped that anyone who really wanted to lead the party would "need their head examined". Shadow Chancellor Michael Howard is the bookies favourite.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2003
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
14 September 2015
Jeremy Corby Elected New Labour Party Leader
Jeremy Corbyn has been elected the new leader of the Labour Party with a majority of almost 60%. Mr Crobyn beat Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall, taking 251,417 votes in the first round of voting. In his first act as party leader, Mr Corbyn has been selecting his shadow cabinet, with Tom Watson as Deputy Leader.
Jeremy Corby Elected New Labour Party Leader
Jeremy Corbyn has been elected the new leader of the Labour Party with a majority of almost 60%. Mr Crobyn beat Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall, taking 251,417 votes in the first round of voting. In his first act as party leader, Mr Corbyn has been selecting his shadow cabinet, with Tom Watson as Deputy Leader.
13 July 2006
MPs briefed on Lord Levy arrest
Deputy Assistant Commissioner John Yates has told MPs this morning that the arrest of Lord Levy for questioning is not a "symbolic" gesture. Lord Levy, 61, the Labour Party's chief fundraiser, was arrested by police investigating allegations of "cash for peerages", but he was later released on bail pending further inquiries.
MPs briefed on Lord Levy arrest
Deputy Assistant Commissioner John Yates has told MPs this morning that the arrest of Lord Levy for questioning is not a "symbolic" gesture. Lord Levy, 61, the Labour Party's chief fundraiser, was arrested by police investigating allegations of "cash for peerages", but he was later released on bail pending further inquiries.
21 October 2005
Cameron and Davis begin battle for Tory leadership
David Cameron and David Davis are preparing to go to head-to-head in the final battle for the Conservative party leadership. Mr Cameron remains the bookie’s favourite, after he topped the poll in the MPs second ballot with 90 votes. Mr Davis came second with 57 votes, while Dr Liam Fox came third with 51 votes and was eliminated.
Cameron and Davis begin battle for Tory leadership
David Cameron and David Davis are preparing to go to head-to-head in the final battle for the Conservative party leadership. Mr Cameron remains the bookie’s favourite, after he topped the poll in the MPs second ballot with 90 votes. Mr Davis came second with 57 votes, while Dr Liam Fox came third with 51 votes and was eliminated.
15 June 2005
Tory MPs to vote on leadership election changes
Conservatives MPs are due to vote tonight on how the leader of the party should be elected.
Tory MPs to vote on leadership election changes
Conservatives MPs are due to vote tonight on how the leader of the party should be elected.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
