26/02/2004
Rifkind wins Kensington and Chelsea nomination
The former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind is on course for a political comeback after being selected as Conservative candidate to contest Kensington and Chelsea at the next general election.
The ex-Cabinet minister beat off the competition to be chosen to succeed one-time government colleague and sitting MP Michael Portillo, who is standing down from the Tory stronghold to pursue a career outside politics.
Sir Malcolm, who lost his Edinburgh Pentlands seat in 1997 after serving in the Thatcher and Major cabinets, said he was "delighted" after securing the nomination in a run-off against three other candidates.
Pledging to serve as "a first class MP" for the west London constituency, he said: "It was a difficult challenge because the local Conservatives wanted to put us all on our mettle and there was no mercy shown. All the candidates were very strong and able people and I was very conscious of that."
In the run-up to the vote by 1,000 local party members, the four-man shortlist were questioned by journalist and broadcaster Andrew Neil.
Sir Malcom won through on the first ballot with an "overwhelming" majority.
(gmcg)
The ex-Cabinet minister beat off the competition to be chosen to succeed one-time government colleague and sitting MP Michael Portillo, who is standing down from the Tory stronghold to pursue a career outside politics.
Sir Malcolm, who lost his Edinburgh Pentlands seat in 1997 after serving in the Thatcher and Major cabinets, said he was "delighted" after securing the nomination in a run-off against three other candidates.
Pledging to serve as "a first class MP" for the west London constituency, he said: "It was a difficult challenge because the local Conservatives wanted to put us all on our mettle and there was no mercy shown. All the candidates were very strong and able people and I was very conscious of that."
In the run-up to the vote by 1,000 local party members, the four-man shortlist were questioned by journalist and broadcaster Andrew Neil.
Sir Malcom won through on the first ballot with an "overwhelming" majority.
(gmcg)
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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.