Menu
11/05/2005
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.
Mr Howard’s announcement followed the reshuffle of the shadow Cabinet, which was announced yesterday.
One of the Conservatives rising young stars, 33-year-old George Osborne, received a major promotion being given the post of shadow Chancellor. His predecessor, Oliver Letwin, moved to the post of Rural Affairs spokesperson. There had been claims that he had wanted to step down from the post.
Another young Tory, David Cameron, was named as shadow Education Secretary, replacing Tim Collins who lost his parliamentary seat last week.
A number of MPs whose names had been linked with the leadership race also received posts in the shadow Cabinet. Dr Liam Fox, the party’s chairman became shadow Foreign Secretary, his previous post being fulfilled by Francis Maude. Sir Malcolm Rifkind, who was became MP for Kensington and Chelsea at last week’s election, following an eight-year absence from Parliament, was named as shadow Work and Pensions Secretary. His predecessor, David Willetts, moved to shadow the new department of productivity, energy. Michael Ancram was given the post of shadow Defence Secretary, while Alan Duncan took over the post of shadow Transport Secretary.
David Davis, who is widely regarded as one of the favourites to become party leader, remained in his post of shadow Home Secretary, while Teresa May also stayed put as the party’s family spokesperson. John Redwood remained as deregulation spokesperson and Andrew Lansley retained his post as shadow Health Secretary.
The shadow Cabinet reshuffle was prompted by the resignation from the Cabinet of shadow Defence Secretary Nicolas Soames and shadow Environment Secretary Tim Yeo.
Mr Soames had rubbished claims that the would be interested in the leadership position, but Mr Yeo has not ruled out the possibility.
No Conservative candidates have yet declared an intention to stand for the party leadership.
(KMcA/SP)
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.
Mr Howard’s announcement followed the reshuffle of the shadow Cabinet, which was announced yesterday.
One of the Conservatives rising young stars, 33-year-old George Osborne, received a major promotion being given the post of shadow Chancellor. His predecessor, Oliver Letwin, moved to the post of Rural Affairs spokesperson. There had been claims that he had wanted to step down from the post.
Another young Tory, David Cameron, was named as shadow Education Secretary, replacing Tim Collins who lost his parliamentary seat last week.
A number of MPs whose names had been linked with the leadership race also received posts in the shadow Cabinet. Dr Liam Fox, the party’s chairman became shadow Foreign Secretary, his previous post being fulfilled by Francis Maude. Sir Malcolm Rifkind, who was became MP for Kensington and Chelsea at last week’s election, following an eight-year absence from Parliament, was named as shadow Work and Pensions Secretary. His predecessor, David Willetts, moved to shadow the new department of productivity, energy. Michael Ancram was given the post of shadow Defence Secretary, while Alan Duncan took over the post of shadow Transport Secretary.
David Davis, who is widely regarded as one of the favourites to become party leader, remained in his post of shadow Home Secretary, while Teresa May also stayed put as the party’s family spokesperson. John Redwood remained as deregulation spokesperson and Andrew Lansley retained his post as shadow Health Secretary.
The shadow Cabinet reshuffle was prompted by the resignation from the Cabinet of shadow Defence Secretary Nicolas Soames and shadow Environment Secretary Tim Yeo.
Mr Soames had rubbished claims that the would be interested in the leadership position, but Mr Yeo has not ruled out the possibility.
No Conservative candidates have yet declared an intention to stand for the party leadership.
(KMcA/SP)
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.
10 May 2005
Howard begins Tory reshuffle
Conservative leader Michael Howard has begun the reshuffle of the Shadow Cabinet, amid increasing speculation about who will take over the party leadership when he stands down. Mr Howard announced that George Osbourne would replace Oliver Letwin as shadow Chancellor. There had been reports that Mr Letwin wished to step down from the post.
Howard begins Tory reshuffle
Conservative leader Michael Howard has begun the reshuffle of the Shadow Cabinet, amid increasing speculation about who will take over the party leadership when he stands down. Mr Howard announced that George Osbourne would replace Oliver Letwin as shadow Chancellor. There had been reports that Mr Letwin wished to step down from the post.
06 December 2005
Cameron elected new party leader
David Cameron has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party. Mr Cameron will succeed Michael Howard to become the party’s fifth leader in eight years. The Shadow Education Secretary defeated his rival, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis, by 134,446 votes to 64,398, in a postal ballot of party members across the UK.
Cameron elected new party leader
David Cameron has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party. Mr Cameron will succeed Michael Howard to become the party’s fifth leader in eight years. The Shadow Education Secretary defeated his rival, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis, by 134,446 votes to 64,398, in a postal ballot of party members across the UK.
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.
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.
-
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.
