Howard to shake-up frontbench
The newly crowned leader of the Conservative Party is expected to imminently announce fundamental changes to his shadow cabinet.
Mr Howard yesterday vowed to infuse his party with “rigorous honesty, measured criticism and realistic alternatives.”
Last night he got the ball rolling by announcing the appointment of Stephen Sherbourne, former political secretary to Margaret Thatcher, who is set to become his chief of staff.
It was also confirmed that Mr Howard’s former special aide Rachel Whetstone is to be promoted to political secretary at Conservative Central Office.
Ever since Mr Howard threw his hat into the ring for the party leadership, rumours have abounded that health spokesman Dr Liam Fox would be promoted to party chairman should Mr Howard’s challenge prove successful.
Oliver Letwin, a man initially thought to have also wanted the job of leader, may get Mr Howard’s shadow chancellorship or assume the brief on foreign affairs.
To make way, chairman Theresa May and foreign affairs chief Michael Ancram may face the axe.
Agriculture spokesman John Hayes and Tory attorney general Bill Cash could also be dismissed from their posts.
With former defence secretary Michael Portillo believed to want a return to frontbench politics, Mr Howard may contemplate giving him a job as it would demonstrate his firm commitment to modernising the party.
Tory political heavyweight David Davis is also tipped for a top job.
It remains to be seen whether former leader William Hague will agree to return to the frontbench.
