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07/11/2003
Michael Portillo to stand down at next election
Conservative MP Michael Portillo, long tipped as a potential party leader, has declared that he will not be seeking re-election to Westminster at the next election.
In a statement issued by his constituency office on Friday afternoon, Mr Portillo said that he had been considering his future for some time and had now decided that his future lay outside the House of Commons.
He said: "In a number of ways I have lost my enthusiasm for the cut and thrust of the chamber and my contribution has diminished."
The MP for Kensington and Chelsea said that he was "keen to explore other opportunities in the media, public bodies and the arts".
The announcement followed on news that the newly installed Conservative leader Michael Howard had deferred naming his shadow cabinet.
Amid tense negotiations today following the years of near constant internecine strife within the Tory party, it is understood that Mr Portillo was offered a post but declined to accept it.
Mr Howard is expected to appoint his team next week.
(SP)
In a statement issued by his constituency office on Friday afternoon, Mr Portillo said that he had been considering his future for some time and had now decided that his future lay outside the House of Commons.
He said: "In a number of ways I have lost my enthusiasm for the cut and thrust of the chamber and my contribution has diminished."
The MP for Kensington and Chelsea said that he was "keen to explore other opportunities in the media, public bodies and the arts".
The announcement followed on news that the newly installed Conservative leader Michael Howard had deferred naming his shadow cabinet.
Amid tense negotiations today following the years of near constant internecine strife within the Tory party, it is understood that Mr Portillo was offered a post but declined to accept it.
Mr Howard is expected to appoint his team next week.
(SP)
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Apologetic Tory MP regains party whip
The Tory MP who made a joke about the deaths of 20 Chinese cockle-pickers who drowned in Morecombe Bay last month has had the party whip restored. Opposition Chief Whip David MacLean announced today Ann Winterton would be readmitted after apologising "unreservedly" to Conservative leader Michael Howard for her comments.
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Butler pledges to continue inquiry despite criticisms
Lord Butler has vowed to continue with his inquiry into the UK's WMD intelligence prior to the war in Iraq, despite both the Tories and Lib Dems withdrawing their support. Tory leader Michael Howard withdrew his support from the inquiry yesterday, saying that Lord Butler's remit was "unacceptably restrictive".
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
