Michael Howard to resign as UK Conservative leader

BBC ^ | 6 May 2005 | unknown

[alnitak]

The BBC is reporting that Michael Howard is to step down as Tory leader. Nothing more yet, just a banner headline.

[alnitak]

Ping.

[Sacajaweau]

btt

[Molly Pitcher]

Good Grief! I don't get this...

[alnitak]

Now we have a story:

Howard Resigns

[alnitak]

Me neither, it's dumb. I thought they had a fairly decent result! All it will do is spread FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) at PRECISELY the time they should be stressing stability. Remember, Labour are going to change leaders soon (Blair to Brown). This move by Howard will ease that transition by taking away some of the focus from Labour as the inevitable Tory leader succession fight starts up.

[Grendel9]

This is the way it is done in Britain. The Honcho of
the losing party usually does step down. In our country,
the losing Champ is abandoned by the party! <>g<> Kerry
who? Dukakis who? What Dole?

[Eurotwit]

I watched the press conference.

I think it makes sense, as Michael Howard is starting get a wee old. Particularly if he is to lead the Conservatives in a new election in 4-5 years time. I think he would be close to 80 at the end of his first term as PM should he have stayed on and lead the Tories to victory.

He will not resign immediately, and will help ensure a thorough and good transition to a new leadership for the future. Graceful move IMHO.

Cheers.

[OXENinFLA]

In case y'all didn't see the Mirror yesterday..........

[Molly Pitcher]

That makes some more sense. Thanks...

[OldFriend]

Thanks for the link. The explanation is plausible and sensible, IMO.

[alnitak]

Maybe. He is 63, but I never really thought about his age as being an issue.

[MadIvan]

Howard doesn't want his party to appear out of date by the time the next election comes around - the Tories have some good, young MPs now who can turn the situation around and make Labour look old and slow.

Regards, Ivan

[goldstategop]

Its good news. The bad news is the Tories are still a party in search of a governing vision as well as a new leader. If yesterday's election results settled anything, its that the Conservatives can't win national office as a me-too Labour Party.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[snugs]

When do you reckon they will hold the election and who do you think will run I would like John Redwood but he maybe considered too rightwing.

[byteback]

So how are the leaders picked? By party members of Parliament or are there more party insiders?

[prairiebreeze]

Top of the mornin' to you both. I trust you are pleased at the Tory gains last night even though Labor still managed to pull it out of the fire?

[adam_az]

Blair sure does have lousy teeth.

Then again, he IS a Brit.

[SittinYonder]

I thought they had a fairly decent result!

Based on what I've read from Georgia (a far cry from the UK) I think the conservatives lack a clear message that would convince voters to go with a change when times are relatively good. Still, they picked up a lot yesterday. Maybe with a leader who can articulate a stronger message they can do better next time around.

[george wythe]

He will not resign immediately, and will help ensure a thorough and good transition to a new leadership for the future. Graceful move IMHO.

Thank you for the update. I agree it's a graceful move.