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26/05/2005
Howard called on to step down or be forced out
Tory leader Michael Howard has been warned that he may be forced out unless he chooses to step down of his own accord.
Howard said after the election he would retire by December, after he changes the Conservative Party's rules governing for selection of a successor.
Derek Conway, a backer of leadership contender David Davis the present Shadow Home Secretary, told ITV that many people in the party were unhappy at the prospect of Howard staying until the end of the year.
Supporters of Mr Davis believe the delay in Mr Howard's resignation is designed to stop him from taking up his post as party leader.
Howard has insisted that there are strong practical reasons for not stepping down, and said that a leadership election under the current rules would take 10 weeks. He remains determined to stay as leader at least until the ballot reform is completed on 27th September.
Tory bosses could well be forced to make some concessions, as the proposals will require the approval of two-thirds of both Tory MPs and the 800 grassroots activists who sit on the party’s national convention.
Yesterday, Howard said that all the plans to reform the constitution were a starting point for consultation. The Party's board passed the document on Monday.
(CD/SP)
Howard said after the election he would retire by December, after he changes the Conservative Party's rules governing for selection of a successor.
Derek Conway, a backer of leadership contender David Davis the present Shadow Home Secretary, told ITV that many people in the party were unhappy at the prospect of Howard staying until the end of the year.
Supporters of Mr Davis believe the delay in Mr Howard's resignation is designed to stop him from taking up his post as party leader.
Howard has insisted that there are strong practical reasons for not stepping down, and said that a leadership election under the current rules would take 10 weeks. He remains determined to stay as leader at least until the ballot reform is completed on 27th September.
Tory bosses could well be forced to make some concessions, as the proposals will require the approval of two-thirds of both Tory MPs and the 800 grassroots activists who sit on the party’s national convention.
Yesterday, Howard said that all the plans to reform the constitution were a starting point for consultation. The Party's board passed the document on Monday.
(CD/SP)
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Howard unveils Tory leadership candidacy
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Howard unveils Tory leadership candidacy
While the Tory leadership has disintegrated in a manner with which voters have become familiar, the ensuing clamour from a host of hopeful candidates has not yet materialised – as almost all but Michael Howard have ruled themselves out of the top post.
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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Howard urges party to unite behind new leader
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Whip removed from Tory MP for 'unacceptable' joke
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06 November 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.
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.
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