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Tory leader ousted
London, Oct 30: In a dramatic development, Iain Duncan Smith was last night dumped by Opposition Tory MPs as their leader after he lost a confidence vote among MPs by 75 votes to 90.
London, Oct 30: In a dramatic development, Iain Duncan Smith was last night dumped by Opposition Tory MPs as their leader after he lost a confidence vote among MPs by 75
votes to 90.
The result sparks the fourth Tory leadership election in eight years, with former Home Secretary Michael Howard emerging as the front-runner for the top party post.
Another possible rival, David Davis, has already said he is backing Howard in the leadership contest, saying he had decided to turn down requests to run himself.
However, Howard is keeping tight-lipped about his next move. Duncan Smith appeared outside Conservative headquarters after the result of the vote was announced to say he would step down as leader when his successor was chosen. In a dignified speech, Duncan Smith pledged his absolute support for his successor although he would not publicly name any single candidate.
Duncan Smith said it had been an "immense honour" to lead the party. "I am particularly sorry that I will not have the opportunity to fulfil my promises to people in some of the poorest communities in the country. But (given the) loyalty from the backbenches, I will continue my campaign for social justice." The nominations for the leader will close on November 6. The first ballot will be held on November 11.
Bureau Report
Another possible rival, David Davis, has already said he is backing Howard in the leadership contest, saying he had decided to turn down requests to run himself.
However, Howard is keeping tight-lipped about his next move. Duncan Smith appeared outside Conservative headquarters after the result of the vote was announced to say he would step down as leader when his successor was chosen. In a dignified speech, Duncan Smith pledged his absolute support for his successor although he would not publicly name any single candidate.
Duncan Smith said it had been an "immense honour" to lead the party. "I am particularly sorry that I will not have the opportunity to fulfil my promises to people in some of the poorest communities in the country. But (given the) loyalty from the backbenches, I will continue my campaign for social justice." The nominations for the leader will close on November 6. The first ballot will be held on November 11.
Bureau Report