Menu
19/01/2009
Clarke To 'Eyeball' Mandelson In Tory Cabinet Role
Veteran Tory MP Kenneth Clarke has stepped back into front line politics, in a Shadow Cabinet reshuffle that will see him come head-to-head with Business Secretary Peter Mandelson.
The former Conservative Chancellor said he was delighted to return to his party's front bench, in a move aimed at increasing the Tory's economic gravitas.
Mr Clarke worked from Number 11 Downing Street, under Prime Minister John Major, between 1993 and 1997.
Business spokesman Alan Duncan will move aside, in a reshuffle Conservative leader David Cameron has hailed as the making of "the best economic team in Britain".
"He was the last Chancellor of the Exchequer to take the country out of a recession. He has a huge amount of experience," Mr Cameron told Sky News.
"He will make up part of what I'm sure will be the best economic team in Britain."
Mr Clarke was reportedly approached by Shadow Chancellor George Osbourne about joining the Tory front benchers.
Mr Osbourne played down suggestions Mr Clarke's pro-European leanings would put him at odds with the party's core supporters.
"I think having him on board brings enormous expertise and experience, it strengthens the Conservative economic team and offers the country a real alternative government ready to take office," said Mr Osbourne.
Mr Clarke made it clear he believed the only way to rescue the economy is a change of government.
"It really matters that the Conservative Party wins the next election. It matters for our economy, it matters for our society," he said.
"It is going to be a historically important election and I don't want to sit on the sidelines.
"I want to be out on the pitch fighting for the change Britain needs," said the newly appointed Shadow Business Secretary.
Other significant changes to the Tory's front bench included the promotion of Chris Grayling to Shadow Home Secretary.
Theresa May will step into Mr Grayling's former Shadow Work and Pensions post.
The new Shadow Justice Secretary Dominic Grieve, who vacated his spot for Mr Grayling, is said to be pleased with the move.
Mr Grieve's predecessor Nick Herbert will become Shadow Environment Secretary.
The party's chairmanship has been conferred upon Eric Pickles, lately Shadow Communities Secretary.
Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague, Shadow Chancellor George Osborne and Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley will all remain in their current posts.
Today's Conservative reshuffle came as Chancellor Alistair Darling unveiled another massive multi-million pound bank bail-out scheme.
(PR/JM)
The former Conservative Chancellor said he was delighted to return to his party's front bench, in a move aimed at increasing the Tory's economic gravitas.
Mr Clarke worked from Number 11 Downing Street, under Prime Minister John Major, between 1993 and 1997.
Business spokesman Alan Duncan will move aside, in a reshuffle Conservative leader David Cameron has hailed as the making of "the best economic team in Britain".
"He was the last Chancellor of the Exchequer to take the country out of a recession. He has a huge amount of experience," Mr Cameron told Sky News.
"He will make up part of what I'm sure will be the best economic team in Britain."
Mr Clarke was reportedly approached by Shadow Chancellor George Osbourne about joining the Tory front benchers.
Mr Osbourne played down suggestions Mr Clarke's pro-European leanings would put him at odds with the party's core supporters.
"I think having him on board brings enormous expertise and experience, it strengthens the Conservative economic team and offers the country a real alternative government ready to take office," said Mr Osbourne.
Mr Clarke made it clear he believed the only way to rescue the economy is a change of government.
"It really matters that the Conservative Party wins the next election. It matters for our economy, it matters for our society," he said.
"It is going to be a historically important election and I don't want to sit on the sidelines.
"I want to be out on the pitch fighting for the change Britain needs," said the newly appointed Shadow Business Secretary.
Other significant changes to the Tory's front bench included the promotion of Chris Grayling to Shadow Home Secretary.
Theresa May will step into Mr Grayling's former Shadow Work and Pensions post.
The new Shadow Justice Secretary Dominic Grieve, who vacated his spot for Mr Grayling, is said to be pleased with the move.
Mr Grieve's predecessor Nick Herbert will become Shadow Environment Secretary.
The party's chairmanship has been conferred upon Eric Pickles, lately Shadow Communities Secretary.
Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague, Shadow Chancellor George Osborne and Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley will all remain in their current posts.
Today's Conservative reshuffle came as Chancellor Alistair Darling unveiled another massive multi-million pound bank bail-out scheme.
(PR/JM)
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.
29 September 2005
Conservative rivals launch leadership campaigns
Conservative leadership rivals David Davis and David Cameron have launched their campaigns for the party leadership. The Shadow Home Secretary and Shadow Education Secretary both gave speeches to their supporters within an hour of each other on Thursday.
Conservative rivals launch leadership campaigns
Conservative leadership rivals David Davis and David Cameron have launched their campaigns for the party leadership. The Shadow Home Secretary and Shadow Education Secretary both gave speeches to their supporters within an hour of each other on Thursday.
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.
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.
04 February 2009
Davis Calls For 'Guantanamo Torture' Statement
A former shadow home secretary has called on ministers to urgently respond to allegations the Government was complicit in the torture of a resident in Guantanamo Bay. Senior Conservative David Davis said a High Court ruling today had alleged a British resident who was held in the Cuban detention camp had been tortured.
Davis Calls For 'Guantanamo Torture' Statement
A former shadow home secretary has called on ministers to urgently respond to allegations the Government was complicit in the torture of a resident in Guantanamo Bay. Senior Conservative David Davis said a High Court ruling today had alleged a British resident who was held in the Cuban detention camp had been tortured.
-
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.
