Menu
09/05/2005
Senior Conservatives quit Shadow Cabinet
Senior Conservatives Nicolas Soames and Tim Yeo have announced plans to leave the Shadow Cabinet.
The announcement follows party leader Michael Howard’s decision to stand down shortly as party leader.
Mr Yeo, the shadow environment and transport secretary, said that he wanted to concentrate on “non-traditional” issues, such as the environment. Mr Soames, the shadow defence secretary, indicated that he wanted to be able to comment on issues such as Europe and expressed a desire to return to the backbenches, saying, “Parliament is so much more important now”.
It has been reported that Mr Soames is keen to join the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers, although he has rubbished claims that he would want Sir Michael Spicer’s job as chairman of the committee. Mr Soames has also denied that he would be interested in the leadership of the party. However, Mr Yeo has seemed to hint that he would be interested in the position.
Explaining his decision to quit the shadow cabinet, Mr Yeo said that it would be wrong to speak out on issues while remaining on the party’s frontbench. He also said that while issues such as immigration, taxation and crime had proved popular with voters, the Conservatives election campaign had focused too much on core voters’ issues at the expense of other issues such as the environment.
Another Tory frontbencher, John Redwood, has also indicated that he would like to be involved in a general debate about politics in an interview with BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme. However, he refused to say whether or not he would be entering a race for the party leadership. He said: “By all means talk to me when we have a leadership election up and running or in prospect. That is not the current position.”
There has also been speculation that Conservative deputy leader Michael Ancram is planning to quite the Shadow Cabinet.
(KMcA/GB)
The announcement follows party leader Michael Howard’s decision to stand down shortly as party leader.
Mr Yeo, the shadow environment and transport secretary, said that he wanted to concentrate on “non-traditional” issues, such as the environment. Mr Soames, the shadow defence secretary, indicated that he wanted to be able to comment on issues such as Europe and expressed a desire to return to the backbenches, saying, “Parliament is so much more important now”.
It has been reported that Mr Soames is keen to join the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers, although he has rubbished claims that he would want Sir Michael Spicer’s job as chairman of the committee. Mr Soames has also denied that he would be interested in the leadership of the party. However, Mr Yeo has seemed to hint that he would be interested in the position.
Explaining his decision to quit the shadow cabinet, Mr Yeo said that it would be wrong to speak out on issues while remaining on the party’s frontbench. He also said that while issues such as immigration, taxation and crime had proved popular with voters, the Conservatives election campaign had focused too much on core voters’ issues at the expense of other issues such as the environment.
Another Tory frontbencher, John Redwood, has also indicated that he would like to be involved in a general debate about politics in an interview with BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme. However, he refused to say whether or not he would be entering a race for the party leadership. He said: “By all means talk to me when we have a leadership election up and running or in prospect. That is not the current position.”
There has also been speculation that Conservative deputy leader Michael Ancram is planning to quite the Shadow Cabinet.
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 September 2010
David Miliband Says Party Now Has A "Great Leader"
In his latest speech to the Labour conference, David Miliband has said the party now has a "great leader" in his younger brother Ed. The shadow foreign secretary, added "I'll be fine" before calling for party unity and receiving a standing ovation.
David Miliband Says Party Now Has A "Great Leader"
In his latest speech to the Labour conference, David Miliband has said the party now has a "great leader" in his younger brother Ed. The shadow foreign secretary, added "I'll be fine" before calling for party unity and receiving a standing ovation.
11 May 2005
Howard to step down before Christmas
Conservative leader Michael Howard has confirmed that he will stand down before Christmas. Speaking to the ‘Daily Telegraph’, Mr Howard said that wanted an “open and honest debate” about the future of the party and said that he hoped the Conservatives would have a new leader by Christmas.
Howard to step down before Christmas
Conservative leader Michael Howard has confirmed that he will stand down before Christmas. Speaking to the ‘Daily Telegraph’, Mr Howard said that wanted an “open and honest debate” about the future of the party and said that he hoped the Conservatives would have a new leader by Christmas.
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.
06 December 2005
Cameron elected new party leader
David Cameron has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party. Mr Cameron will succeed Michael Howard to become the party’s fifth leader in eight years. The Shadow Education Secretary defeated his rival, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis, by 134,446 votes to 64,398, in a postal ballot of party members across the UK.
Cameron elected new party leader
David Cameron has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party. Mr Cameron will succeed Michael Howard to become the party’s fifth leader in eight years. The Shadow Education Secretary defeated his rival, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis, by 134,446 votes to 64,398, in a postal ballot of party members across the UK.
03 October 2005
‘Compelling vision’ needed for Conservatives
The Conservatives need more than a new leader in order to get back into government, the party chairman has warned. Speaking at the opening day of the Conservative party conference in Blackpool, Francis Maude said: “We need much more than a new leader. We need to show that we know and understand and can reflect today’s Britain.
‘Compelling vision’ needed for Conservatives
The Conservatives need more than a new leader in order to get back into government, the party chairman has warned. Speaking at the opening day of the Conservative party conference in Blackpool, Francis Maude said: “We need much more than a new leader. We need to show that we know and understand and can reflect today’s Britain.
-
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.
