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23/10/2003
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.
Mr Duncan Smith said there was "no question" about his leadership of the party only who would be leading the next government. "It will be me," he asserted.
However, speculation continues unabated following the public withdrawal of support by one of the Tory party's top financial backers. Yesterday, Stuart Wheeler withdrew support, and in the wake of this revelation Mr Duncan Smith has faced a call for a vote of confidence from former party chief whip Derek Conway.
Senior Tory figures, including former party leaders William Hague and John Major, have attempted top shore up support for Mr Duncan Smith whose leadership of the party has been placed in the spotlight since allegations emerged over the running of his office last week.
The allegations over the financial running of Mr Duncan Smith's office, in particular the employment of his wife as a secretary, are to be investigated by Commons watchdog Sir Philip Mawer - a move welcomed by the party leader.
For his part Sir Philip has pointed to the fact that as the allegations have been made anonymously, they should therefore be fully investigated to ascertain if there is any substance to them.
However, even a favourable outcome of the investigations, which are expected to take several weeks, is unlikely to come in time assist Mr Duncan Smiths current plight.
Deputy leader Michael Ancram in an interview for BBC Radio 4 said that at a meeting of Conservative MPs last night the issue had not been raised, and reasserted that the party should be backing Mr Duncan Smith who had the support of the shadow cabinet.
Under Tory Party rules a vote of confidence will be triggered if the 1922 backbench committee receive 25 letters supporting a motion of no confidence.
(SP)
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.
Mr Duncan Smith said there was "no question" about his leadership of the party only who would be leading the next government. "It will be me," he asserted.
However, speculation continues unabated following the public withdrawal of support by one of the Tory party's top financial backers. Yesterday, Stuart Wheeler withdrew support, and in the wake of this revelation Mr Duncan Smith has faced a call for a vote of confidence from former party chief whip Derek Conway.
Senior Tory figures, including former party leaders William Hague and John Major, have attempted top shore up support for Mr Duncan Smith whose leadership of the party has been placed in the spotlight since allegations emerged over the running of his office last week.
The allegations over the financial running of Mr Duncan Smith's office, in particular the employment of his wife as a secretary, are to be investigated by Commons watchdog Sir Philip Mawer - a move welcomed by the party leader.
For his part Sir Philip has pointed to the fact that as the allegations have been made anonymously, they should therefore be fully investigated to ascertain if there is any substance to them.
However, even a favourable outcome of the investigations, which are expected to take several weeks, is unlikely to come in time assist Mr Duncan Smiths current plight.
Deputy leader Michael Ancram in an interview for BBC Radio 4 said that at a meeting of Conservative MPs last night the issue had not been raised, and reasserted that the party should be backing Mr Duncan Smith who had the support of the shadow cabinet.
Under Tory Party rules a vote of confidence will be triggered if the 1922 backbench committee receive 25 letters supporting a motion of no confidence.
(SP)
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10 October 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.
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.
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.
10 August 2010
Credit Rating Agencies To 'Root Out' Benefits Cheats
Prime Minister David Cameron has unveiled plans for credit ratings firms to be used to identify benefits fraudsters. Mr Cameron announced the plans, which are aimed at cutting fraudulent claim amounting to £1.5 billion a year, in a speech in Manchester.
Credit Rating Agencies To 'Root Out' Benefits Cheats
Prime Minister David Cameron has unveiled plans for credit ratings firms to be used to identify benefits fraudsters. Mr Cameron announced the plans, which are aimed at cutting fraudulent claim amounting to £1.5 billion a year, in a speech in Manchester.
28 October 2003
Tory leader to face confidence motion
They had been told to put up or shut up by Wednesday evening – but by lunchtime today 25 Tory MPs had left the shadows and forwarded their letters calling for a vote of confidence in Iain Duncan Smith's leadership. For his part, IDS released a statement fulsome in its pleasure at facing the vote ahead.
Tory leader to face confidence motion
They had been told to put up or shut up by Wednesday evening – but by lunchtime today 25 Tory MPs had left the shadows and forwarded their letters calling for a vote of confidence in Iain Duncan Smith's leadership. For his part, IDS released a statement fulsome in its pleasure at facing the vote ahead.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
