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06/11/2003
Howard takes over Tory leadership
Michael Howard has, as expected, been confirmed today as the next leader of the Conservative Party.
The former Shadow chancellor was the only name put forward ahead of today's nomination deadline, and so ascended to the leadership without the need for a ballot of the party's 165 MPs.
The announcement was made by the chairman of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee, Sir Michael Spicer, shortly after midday today. While party rules state that the grassroots membership can be asked to ratify Mr Howard's leadership, it is an expensive process and is not thought likely to be employed. He is expected to name his cabinet over the weekend.
While the leadership of Iain Duncan Smith disintegrated in a manner with which voters have become familiar last week, the ensuing clamour from a host of hopeful candidates did not materialise – as all but Michael Howard have ruled themselves out of the top post.
An MP for Folkestone and Hythe since 1983, Mr Howard has served almost his entire parliamentary career on the Tory frontbenches. He is acknowledged as a skilled and experienced politician, who should be able to put the Prime Minister under more pressure in Parliament.
However, he is not viewed as a genuinely popular figure across the party, as one colleague described him as a personality lacking in "warmth". But it was in 1997 that he was most famously characterised by Ann Widdecombe, a junior prisons minister at the time, as "having something of the night about him" – a jibe that he has not been able to shake off.
Surprisingly, Miss Widdecombe's spat with Michael Howard has not stopped her from offering him her backing as well.
(gmcg)
The former Shadow chancellor was the only name put forward ahead of today's nomination deadline, and so ascended to the leadership without the need for a ballot of the party's 165 MPs.
The announcement was made by the chairman of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee, Sir Michael Spicer, shortly after midday today. While party rules state that the grassroots membership can be asked to ratify Mr Howard's leadership, it is an expensive process and is not thought likely to be employed. He is expected to name his cabinet over the weekend.
While the leadership of Iain Duncan Smith disintegrated in a manner with which voters have become familiar last week, the ensuing clamour from a host of hopeful candidates did not materialise – as all but Michael Howard have ruled themselves out of the top post.
An MP for Folkestone and Hythe since 1983, Mr Howard has served almost his entire parliamentary career on the Tory frontbenches. He is acknowledged as a skilled and experienced politician, who should be able to put the Prime Minister under more pressure in Parliament.
However, he is not viewed as a genuinely popular figure across the party, as one colleague described him as a personality lacking in "warmth". But it was in 1997 that he was most famously characterised by Ann Widdecombe, a junior prisons minister at the time, as "having something of the night about him" – a jibe that he has not been able to shake off.
Surprisingly, Miss Widdecombe's spat with Michael Howard has not stopped her from offering him her backing as well.
(gmcg)
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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.
25 March 2005
Flight sacked from Conservative party
Conservative leader Michael Howard has announced that the party whip is to be withdrawn from Howard Flight. Michael Howard issued a statement, which said: "We will be totally straight with the British people. We will not say one thing in private and another thing in public. Everyone in my party has to sign up to that. If not, they're out.
Flight sacked from Conservative party
Conservative leader Michael Howard has announced that the party whip is to be withdrawn from Howard Flight. Michael Howard issued a statement, which said: "We will be totally straight with the British people. We will not say one thing in private and another thing in public. Everyone in my party has to sign up to that. If not, they're out.
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.
24 November 2005
Health Minister denies flu vaccine 'incompetence'
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has hit back against claims that government inefficiency and incompetence is responsible for the current shortage of flu vaccine, stating that GPs have failed to order enough supplies to cover demand.
Health Minister denies flu vaccine 'incompetence'
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has hit back against claims that government inefficiency and incompetence is responsible for the current shortage of flu vaccine, stating that GPs have failed to order enough supplies to cover demand.
01 April 2004
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.
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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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A fine dry days weather with sunshine quite widespread, particularly from mid-morning. Temperatures best across southern districts. North to northwesy breezes occasionally freshening around the coasts. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Most dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost in the south for some. Cloudier around northern coasts where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
