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11/05/2005
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.
Mr Howard’s announcement followed the reshuffle of the shadow Cabinet, which was announced yesterday.
One of the Conservatives rising young stars, 33-year-old George Osborne, received a major promotion being given the post of shadow Chancellor. His predecessor, Oliver Letwin, moved to the post of Rural Affairs spokesperson. There had been claims that he had wanted to step down from the post.
Another young Tory, David Cameron, was named as shadow Education Secretary, replacing Tim Collins who lost his parliamentary seat last week.
A number of MPs whose names had been linked with the leadership race also received posts in the shadow Cabinet. Dr Liam Fox, the party’s chairman became shadow Foreign Secretary, his previous post being fulfilled by Francis Maude. Sir Malcolm Rifkind, who was became MP for Kensington and Chelsea at last week’s election, following an eight-year absence from Parliament, was named as shadow Work and Pensions Secretary. His predecessor, David Willetts, moved to shadow the new department of productivity, energy. Michael Ancram was given the post of shadow Defence Secretary, while Alan Duncan took over the post of shadow Transport Secretary.
David Davis, who is widely regarded as one of the favourites to become party leader, remained in his post of shadow Home Secretary, while Teresa May also stayed put as the party’s family spokesperson. John Redwood remained as deregulation spokesperson and Andrew Lansley retained his post as shadow Health Secretary.
The shadow Cabinet reshuffle was prompted by the resignation from the Cabinet of shadow Defence Secretary Nicolas Soames and shadow Environment Secretary Tim Yeo.
Mr Soames had rubbished claims that the would be interested in the leadership position, but Mr Yeo has not ruled out the possibility.
No Conservative candidates have yet declared an intention to stand for the party leadership.
(KMcA/SP)
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.
Mr Howard’s announcement followed the reshuffle of the shadow Cabinet, which was announced yesterday.
One of the Conservatives rising young stars, 33-year-old George Osborne, received a major promotion being given the post of shadow Chancellor. His predecessor, Oliver Letwin, moved to the post of Rural Affairs spokesperson. There had been claims that he had wanted to step down from the post.
Another young Tory, David Cameron, was named as shadow Education Secretary, replacing Tim Collins who lost his parliamentary seat last week.
A number of MPs whose names had been linked with the leadership race also received posts in the shadow Cabinet. Dr Liam Fox, the party’s chairman became shadow Foreign Secretary, his previous post being fulfilled by Francis Maude. Sir Malcolm Rifkind, who was became MP for Kensington and Chelsea at last week’s election, following an eight-year absence from Parliament, was named as shadow Work and Pensions Secretary. His predecessor, David Willetts, moved to shadow the new department of productivity, energy. Michael Ancram was given the post of shadow Defence Secretary, while Alan Duncan took over the post of shadow Transport Secretary.
David Davis, who is widely regarded as one of the favourites to become party leader, remained in his post of shadow Home Secretary, while Teresa May also stayed put as the party’s family spokesperson. John Redwood remained as deregulation spokesperson and Andrew Lansley retained his post as shadow Health Secretary.
The shadow Cabinet reshuffle was prompted by the resignation from the Cabinet of shadow Defence Secretary Nicolas Soames and shadow Environment Secretary Tim Yeo.
Mr Soames had rubbished claims that the would be interested in the leadership position, but Mr Yeo has not ruled out the possibility.
No Conservative candidates have yet declared an intention to stand for the party leadership.
(KMcA/SP)
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