Fowler to retire from front bench - again
CONSERVATIVE PARTY
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.SIR NORMAN FOWLER announced yesterday that he was stepping down from the Tory front bench to spend more time with his family - again.
His resignation from the Shadow Cabinet will open the way for Ann Widdecombe to replace Sir Norman as shadow Home Secretary in William Hague's next reshuffle.
He famously announced his resignation from the Cabinet under Baroness Thatcher to spend more time with his family in 1990 when he was Employment Secretary. Two years later, he was brought back by John Major as party chairman.
Mr Hague's reshuffle will be wide-ranging to bring fresh faces into the Shadow Cabinet. Those tipped for promotion include Theresa May, the MP for Maidenhead, and spokesman on education; Damian Green, another education and employment spokesman; and Tim Yeo, who resigned from the government over an illegitimate child.
The Conservative leader is expected to carry out the reshuffle after the European elections on 10 June to freshen his team, and to boost his own leadership, if the Tories' Eurosceptic campaign rebounds on the party.
Sir Norman is the third Tory frontbencher to announce he is stepping down, after Gillian Shephard, the shadow Environment Secretary, and Michael Howard, the shadow Foreign Secretary.
Ms Widdecombe, regarded as one of the big hitters in Mr Hague's team, has told friends that she wants to give up her present role as health spokesman to take on the Home Affairs portfolio.
As a junior Home Office minister, she clashed with Mr Howard, then Home Secretary, and in opposition privately vowed not to take on the lead role until he had retired. Mr Howard's departure has left the way open for her to have the job she wants, shadowing Jack Straw.
Like Mrs Shephard, Sir Norman waited until after the local elections to make his announcement, although it was well known that he would step down. "I have spent 20 of the last 25 years as a cabinet minister, shadow minister or party chairman. I told William Hague of my plans to stand down at the beginning of this year. I intend to continue as MP for Sutton Coldfield. My view has always been that the best position of all is being an MP at Westminster.
"I will do all I can to help in the further recovery of the party."
Mr Hague praised Sir Norman's contribution.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments