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10/10/2003
Opposition more divided than ever, says Labour chairman
Following on from the Opposition leader's speech in Blackpool yesterday, Labour Party chairman Ian McCartney has claimed that the Tories were "more divided, more extreme and more incoherent than ever".
It was an aggressive Iain Duncan Smith that took the floor at yesterday's conference. In a speech that was short on policy and long on personal invective, the Tory leader called on Tony Blair to resign over the handling of the Dr David Kelly affair, and described the Prime Minister as a "liar" and "deceitful".
Today it was the Labour Party's turn to blow raspberries at the Opposition, as the Labour chairman called Mr Duncan Smith a "desperate man".
Mr McCartney said: "[The Tories are] Divided over leadership, taxation and spending; incoherent as he launches unsustainable promise after unsustainable promise; and extreme as he commits the Tories to the end of the NHS, free at the point of use and massive cuts to public spending.
"This is the state of the modern Conservative party today under Iain Duncan Smith’s leadership and his desperate speech today cannot mask this fact."
Despite Iain Duncan Smith's impassioned rhetoric, speculation of a leadership coup persisted as delegates made their way back to their constituency associations.
The Tory chief whip David MacLean has said that he will be holding "career development" meetings with rebel MPs over the weekend.
Under party rules, if 25 MPs sign a declaration of no confidence in the leadership a vote can be held on Duncan Smith's future.
(gmcg)
It was an aggressive Iain Duncan Smith that took the floor at yesterday's conference. In a speech that was short on policy and long on personal invective, the Tory leader called on Tony Blair to resign over the handling of the Dr David Kelly affair, and described the Prime Minister as a "liar" and "deceitful".
Today it was the Labour Party's turn to blow raspberries at the Opposition, as the Labour chairman called Mr Duncan Smith a "desperate man".
Mr McCartney said: "[The Tories are] Divided over leadership, taxation and spending; incoherent as he launches unsustainable promise after unsustainable promise; and extreme as he commits the Tories to the end of the NHS, free at the point of use and massive cuts to public spending.
"This is the state of the modern Conservative party today under Iain Duncan Smith’s leadership and his desperate speech today cannot mask this fact."
Despite Iain Duncan Smith's impassioned rhetoric, speculation of a leadership coup persisted as delegates made their way back to their constituency associations.
The Tory chief whip David MacLean has said that he will be holding "career development" meetings with rebel MPs over the weekend.
Under party rules, if 25 MPs sign a declaration of no confidence in the leadership a vote can be held on Duncan Smith's future.
(gmcg)
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23 October 2003
IDS vows to lead Tories into next election
Embattled Tory party leader Iain Duncan Smith has pledged to fight on and lead the Conservative Party into the next election. At a press conference held today in the East Midlands, Mr Duncan Smith sought to focus on Tory party policy issues, while fielding questions from reporters about the speculation surrounding his future as Tory leader.
IDS vows to lead Tories into next election
Embattled Tory party leader Iain Duncan Smith has pledged to fight on and lead the Conservative Party into the next election. At a press conference held today in the East Midlands, Mr Duncan Smith sought to focus on Tory party policy issues, while fielding questions from reporters about the speculation surrounding his future as Tory leader.
14 May 2003
Duncan Smith launches election strategy
In a political week dominated by a Cabinet resignation, government splits over the euro and public service reform, the Iain Duncan Smith has moved to capitalise on Labour divisions by launching the Tories general election strategy.
Duncan Smith launches election strategy
In a political week dominated by a Cabinet resignation, government splits over the euro and public service reform, the Iain Duncan Smith has moved to capitalise on Labour divisions by launching the Tories general election strategy.
30 October 2003
Tory Chief Whip steps down
The Conservative Party's Chief Whip has stepped down in the aftermath of Iain Duncan Smith's failure to win last night's vote of confidence. David Maclean, the opposition Chief Whip, whose job it is to drum up support in the Commons for Conservative policies, tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to Conservative MPs.
Tory Chief Whip steps down
The Conservative Party's Chief Whip has stepped down in the aftermath of Iain Duncan Smith's failure to win last night's vote of confidence. David Maclean, the opposition Chief Whip, whose job it is to drum up support in the Commons for Conservative policies, tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to Conservative MPs.
23 July 2009
Tories Tipped For By-Election Win
A dozen candidates are vying for a parliamentary seat at the Norwich North by-election today. Polls opened at 7am and will close at 10pm, however, counting will not commence until tomorrow. The seat became vacant after Labour MP Ian Gibson stood down amid continued expenses revelations.
Tories Tipped For By-Election Win
A dozen candidates are vying for a parliamentary seat at the Norwich North by-election today. Polls opened at 7am and will close at 10pm, however, counting will not commence until tomorrow. The seat became vacant after Labour MP Ian Gibson stood down amid continued expenses revelations.
22 June 2009
Alleged Plots Mar Speaker Election
MPs are currently voting to elect a new Commons Speaker, amid allegations of plots by party whips. It is believed anti-reformists are trying to shoo-in former Labour minister Margaret Beckett. Tories are said to be backing the plot in a bid to push party colleague John Bercow out of the running in the early stages of elimination.
Alleged Plots Mar Speaker Election
MPs are currently voting to elect a new Commons Speaker, amid allegations of plots by party whips. It is believed anti-reformists are trying to shoo-in former Labour minister Margaret Beckett. Tories are said to be backing the plot in a bid to push party colleague John Bercow out of the running in the early stages of elimination.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
