BBC News, Monday 30th October 2007
Conservative Leader David Cameron has announced the reshuffled Shadow Cabinet that will face the recently formed Labour—Liberal Democrat coalition government in the House of Commons. Most prominent amongst the changes is the appointment of William Hague, the former Tory leader and former Shadow Foreign Secretary, as Shadow Chancellor, replacing George Osborne, who becomes Party Chairman. David Davis, Cameron’s leadership rival in 2005, retains his position as Shadow Home Secretary, but gains the additional role of Deputy Leader of the Opposition, whilst Liam Fox replaces Mr Hague as Shadow Foreign Secretary. Other notable appointments include two former Cabinet ministers returning to the frontbench; Peter Lilley becomes Shadow Business Secretary, whilst Sir Malcolm Rifkind has accepted the Defence portfolio.
The reshuffle is seen by many in Westminster as an attempt to bolster Mr Cameron’s support amongst the party’s right wing following the recent election defeat, with most of those gaining belonging to that wing of the Party. Despite the recent defeat, David Cameron has announced his intention to remain as leader and to lead the Conservative Party into the next general election. Should Cameron resign, or be forced out, many of those who’ve found promotion—including new Deputy Leader David Davis and new Shadow Foreign Secretary Liam Fox— may be amongst those candidates to replace him. Both have pledged their loyalty to Mr Cameron, and insisted that there will be no leadership challenge this side of an election.
Conservative Leader David Cameron has announced the reshuffled Shadow Cabinet that will face the recently formed Labour—Liberal Democrat coalition government in the House of Commons. Most prominent amongst the changes is the appointment of William Hague, the former Tory leader and former Shadow Foreign Secretary, as Shadow Chancellor, replacing George Osborne, who becomes Party Chairman. David Davis, Cameron’s leadership rival in 2005, retains his position as Shadow Home Secretary, but gains the additional role of Deputy Leader of the Opposition, whilst Liam Fox replaces Mr Hague as Shadow Foreign Secretary. Other notable appointments include two former Cabinet ministers returning to the frontbench; Peter Lilley becomes Shadow Business Secretary, whilst Sir Malcolm Rifkind has accepted the Defence portfolio.
The reshuffle is seen by many in Westminster as an attempt to bolster Mr Cameron’s support amongst the party’s right wing following the recent election defeat, with most of those gaining belonging to that wing of the Party. Despite the recent defeat, David Cameron has announced his intention to remain as leader and to lead the Conservative Party into the next general election. Should Cameron resign, or be forced out, many of those who’ve found promotion—including new Deputy Leader David Davis and new Shadow Foreign Secretary Liam Fox— may be amongst those candidates to replace him. Both have pledged their loyalty to Mr Cameron, and insisted that there will be no leadership challenge this side of an election.