Menu
15/06/2005
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.
MPs will have an array of options to choose from, which include making MPs solely responsible for the decision; keeping the current system, where MPs decide on two candidates before party members cast the final vote; and adapting the current system to allow party members to select the candidates before giving MPs the final decision.
Party leader Michael Howard, who is due to step down later in the year, is in favour of giving MPs sole responsibility for choosing the party leader, while former Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe is in favour of the third option.
Mr Howard’s predecessor, Iain Duncan Smith, was the only Conservative party leader to be elected under the current system.
The MPs will also vote on a proposal to lift the £25,000 limit on spending during the leadership race.
Some Conservative MPs are reported to be angry about the amount of time spent debating leaderships rules, arguing that the momentum from gains made in May’s General Election will be lost. The procedure, drawn up by Mr Howard, would not be finalised until September and the leadership contest would not begin until after the party’s annual conference’s in October. Many MPs are reported to want the process to speeded up.
Shadow Home Secretary David Davis is widely regarded as the favourite to succeed Mr Howard, but a number of other MPs, including Kenneth Clarke, Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Alan Duncan are also expected to enter the leadership race.
(KMcA/SP)
MPs will have an array of options to choose from, which include making MPs solely responsible for the decision; keeping the current system, where MPs decide on two candidates before party members cast the final vote; and adapting the current system to allow party members to select the candidates before giving MPs the final decision.
Party leader Michael Howard, who is due to step down later in the year, is in favour of giving MPs sole responsibility for choosing the party leader, while former Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe is in favour of the third option.
Mr Howard’s predecessor, Iain Duncan Smith, was the only Conservative party leader to be elected under the current system.
The MPs will also vote on a proposal to lift the £25,000 limit on spending during the leadership race.
Some Conservative MPs are reported to be angry about the amount of time spent debating leaderships rules, arguing that the momentum from gains made in May’s General Election will be lost. The procedure, drawn up by Mr Howard, would not be finalised until September and the leadership contest would not begin until after the party’s annual conference’s in October. Many MPs are reported to want the process to speeded up.
Shadow Home Secretary David Davis is widely regarded as the favourite to succeed Mr Howard, but a number of other MPs, including Kenneth Clarke, Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Alan Duncan are also expected to enter the leadership race.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 October 2005
Clarke out in Tory leadership race
Kenneth Clarke has been eliminated in the first round of voting in the Conservative leadership race. The departure of the former Chancellor leaves David Davis, David Cameron and Dr Liam Fox still in the running to replace Michael Howard as Tory party leader. Mr Clarke had been the favourite to be eliminated in the first MPs ballot.
Clarke out in Tory leadership race
Kenneth Clarke has been eliminated in the first round of voting in the Conservative leadership race. The departure of the former Chancellor leaves David Davis, David Cameron and Dr Liam Fox still in the running to replace Michael Howard as Tory party leader. Mr Clarke had been the favourite to be eliminated in the first MPs ballot.
09 January 2006
Kennedy resignation leads to Lib Dem leadership contest
The Liberal Democrats are set for a leadership battle, following Charles Kennedy's resignation on Saturday. The party's deputy leader, Sir Menzies Campbell, is the only candidate to announce his intention to run for the leadership so far.
Kennedy resignation leads to Lib Dem leadership contest
The Liberal Democrats are set for a leadership battle, following Charles Kennedy's resignation on Saturday. The party's deputy leader, Sir Menzies Campbell, is the only candidate to announce his intention to run for the leadership so far.
06 January 2006
Kennedy faces increasing pressure from MPs
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy is facing increasing pressure from the party's MPs to step down, after he admitted having a drink problem yesterday. It emerged that eleven Lib Dem MPs had signed a letter of no confidence, prior to Mr Kennedy's statement, and were now threatening to call for a motion of no confidence next week.
Kennedy faces increasing pressure from MPs
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy is facing increasing pressure from the party's MPs to step down, after he admitted having a drink problem yesterday. It emerged that eleven Lib Dem MPs had signed a letter of no confidence, prior to Mr Kennedy's statement, and were now threatening to call for a motion of no confidence next week.
20 October 2005
Fox out in Tory MP vote
Dr Liam Fox has become the second candidate to be eliminated in the Conservative leadership contest, leaving David Cameron and David Davis as the final two contenders. As widely predicted, Mr Cameron topped the poll with 90 votes from his fellow MPs. Mr Davis secured 57 votes and Dr Fox got 51.
Fox out in Tory MP vote
Dr Liam Fox has become the second candidate to be eliminated in the Conservative leadership contest, leaving David Cameron and David Davis as the final two contenders. As widely predicted, Mr Cameron topped the poll with 90 votes from his fellow MPs. Mr Davis secured 57 votes and Dr Fox got 51.
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.
-
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.
