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31/08/2005
Clarke hits leadership campaign trail
Former chancellor Kenneth Clarke promises to be the "popular" choice as he launches his campaign for the Conservative leadership promising to return the Tories to power.
Although 65-year-old Clarke has entered the fray for the party's leadership, some deem him too old to lead the party into the next election. However, Mr Clarke rubbished such claims saying that he was looking forward to taking on Gordon Brown.
An undeterred Clarke will tomorrow set out his stall and explain his plans to win over the party faithful in his third attempt to head up the party.
Previously his pro-European views were attributed to his demise in the leadership battles of 1997, won by William Hague, and of 2001, won by Iain Duncan Smith.
Recently Mr Clarke has been careful to temper his stance on Europe, even going as far as telling reporters that it should not stand in the way of his bid.
Today Mr Clarke, the MP for Rushcliffe, was content to pose with his backers, Tim Yeo, Ann Widdecombe and John Bercow.
As the contest heats up Mr Clarke is likely to have to face contenders including David Davis, David Cameron, Liam Fox and Theresa May.
Sir Malcolm Rifkind, another leading contender, welcomed the news that Mr Clarke had entered the leadership fray as he said there should be the "broadest" choice of candidates.
Sir Malcolm has also announced his intention to run for the leadership.
Current party leader Michael Howard declared that he would stand down as leader following the party's defeat at the hands of Labour in the last general election.
(SP/KMcA)
Although 65-year-old Clarke has entered the fray for the party's leadership, some deem him too old to lead the party into the next election. However, Mr Clarke rubbished such claims saying that he was looking forward to taking on Gordon Brown.
An undeterred Clarke will tomorrow set out his stall and explain his plans to win over the party faithful in his third attempt to head up the party.
Previously his pro-European views were attributed to his demise in the leadership battles of 1997, won by William Hague, and of 2001, won by Iain Duncan Smith.
Recently Mr Clarke has been careful to temper his stance on Europe, even going as far as telling reporters that it should not stand in the way of his bid.
Today Mr Clarke, the MP for Rushcliffe, was content to pose with his backers, Tim Yeo, Ann Widdecombe and John Bercow.
As the contest heats up Mr Clarke is likely to have to face contenders including David Davis, David Cameron, Liam Fox and Theresa May.
Sir Malcolm Rifkind, another leading contender, welcomed the news that Mr Clarke had entered the leadership fray as he said there should be the "broadest" choice of candidates.
Sir Malcolm has also announced his intention to run for the leadership.
Current party leader Michael Howard declared that he would stand down as leader following the party's defeat at the hands of Labour in the last general election.
(SP/KMcA)
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11 October 2005
Rifkind withdraws from Tory leadership contest
Sir Malcolm Rifkind has withdrawn from the race to be the next leader of the Conservative party. Sir Malcolm, the former Foreign Secretary, had been the rank outsider to replace Michael Howard as party leader.
Rifkind withdraws from Tory leadership contest
Sir Malcolm Rifkind has withdrawn from the race to be the next leader of the Conservative party. Sir Malcolm, the former Foreign Secretary, had been the rank outsider to replace Michael Howard as party leader.
20 October 2005
Fox out in Tory MP vote
Dr Liam Fox has become the second candidate to be eliminated in the Conservative leadership contest, leaving David Cameron and David Davis as the final two contenders. As widely predicted, Mr Cameron topped the poll with 90 votes from his fellow MPs. Mr Davis secured 57 votes and Dr Fox got 51.
Fox out in Tory MP vote
Dr Liam Fox has become the second candidate to be eliminated in the Conservative leadership contest, leaving David Cameron and David Davis as the final two contenders. As widely predicted, Mr Cameron topped the poll with 90 votes from his fellow MPs. Mr Davis secured 57 votes and Dr Fox got 51.
05 October 2005
Clarke promotes himself as “big beast” to lead Tories
Ken Clarke has called on the Conservatives to select a “big beast” politician to lead them back into power during a speech at the party conference in Blackpool on Tuesday.
Clarke promotes himself as “big beast” to lead Tories
Ken Clarke has called on the Conservatives to select a “big beast” politician to lead them back into power during a speech at the party conference in Blackpool on Tuesday.
09 January 2006
Kennedy resignation leads to Lib Dem leadership contest
The Liberal Democrats are set for a leadership battle, following Charles Kennedy's resignation on Saturday. The party's deputy leader, Sir Menzies Campbell, is the only candidate to announce his intention to run for the leadership so far.
Kennedy resignation leads to Lib Dem leadership contest
The Liberal Democrats are set for a leadership battle, following Charles Kennedy's resignation on Saturday. The party's deputy leader, Sir Menzies Campbell, is the only candidate to announce his intention to run for the leadership so far.
18 October 2005
Clarke out in Tory leadership race
Kenneth Clarke has been eliminated in the first round of voting in the Conservative leadership race. The departure of the former Chancellor leaves David Davis, David Cameron and Dr Liam Fox still in the running to replace Michael Howard as Tory party leader. Mr Clarke had been the favourite to be eliminated in the first MPs ballot.
Clarke out in Tory leadership race
Kenneth Clarke has been eliminated in the first round of voting in the Conservative leadership race. The departure of the former Chancellor leaves David Davis, David Cameron and Dr Liam Fox still in the running to replace Michael Howard as Tory party leader. Mr Clarke had been the favourite to be eliminated in the first MPs ballot.
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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.
