08/09/2009

Duncan Replaced In Tory Cabinet

Tory stalwart Sir George Young has replaced Alan Duncan on the Opposition front benches.

Party leader David Cameron made the appointment after sacking Mr Duncan last night.

Sir George was instated as shadow leader of the House of Commons, bringing "great talent, depth and experience" to the role, Mr Cameron said.

His predecessor, Mr Davis, embarrassed the Conservatives after being caught on camera ranting about MPs' expenses.

The film was released in the wake of ongoing furore over the Westminster claims system.

Sir George, who was a forerunner in this year's Commons speaker elections, served as transport minister in John Major's Tory government between 1995-1997.

Mr Cameron conceded he took time to consider demoting Mr Duncan, but ultimately decided to change his team ahead of the new Parliamentary term.

"And I think on that basis I came to the decision it was right - and Alan agreed actually - that it was right for him to move from that job to another job, outside the shadow cabinet but an important job," he said.

Mr Duncan acknowledged the party leader had taken a "sensible decision".

"What matters most is winning the election and David Cameron becoming the prime minister," he said.

"I don't want to be a brake on that by making a difficult issue more problematic. I am very happy to get stuck into another job."

(PR/GK)

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