Top Tories agree new party rules
The Conservative governing body has agreed on a new draft constitution for a party – including handing more power back to MPs on choosing a leader.
The party’s 17 board members will hand the details to the shadow cabinet and Conservative MPs on Tuesday, who are expected to approve the changes, before consultation begins with rank-and-file members.
The process is expected to last until September.
Crucially, MPs will have the final say in the selection of the leader to succeed Mr Howard, who is standing down later this year after losing the general election.
Under current rules, introduced under William Hague, each Tory MP votes for their candidate in a ballot until only two remain. The party membership then votes on the shortlist.
Other changes include a statement of fundamental Tory beliefs.
Conservative party chairman Francis Maude said the plans would be based on “one nation Toryism”, “serving the entire nation regardless of their background of race, sex or religion”.
The proposed constitution is due for publication tomorrow.
It is believed that the new constitution will suggest that any MP winning the support of ten per cent of his parliamentary colleagues could go forward as a candidate to the party’s national convention, drawn up from 900 local association chairmen and other senior party figures.
The convention would vote on the candidates but it would be for MPs to decide ultimately on who assumes the leadership of the party.
There could be some resistance though from the Conservative grassroots eager not to lose power.
Candidates tipped to run for the leadership include favourite David Davis, Kenneth Clarke, Dr Liam Fox, Sir Malcolm Rifkind and David Cameron.
