THE resignation -- delayed a month -- of Sir Norman Fowler from his
post as Tory party chairman, could prompt up to six Junior Ministers to
announce that they do not wish to remain in Government.
Sir Norman, a long-serving Cabinet Minister in the Thatcher
administration, is bowing out to pursue business interests. There are
several Ministers who wish to do the same, but are concerned not to give
the impression that they want to quit a sinking administration.
All of them have spent many years at the Commons and in Government and
can see no advancement. All of them have told the Prime Minister that
their positions are at his disposal when he comes to reshuffle his
Government.
Timing is important to them because they do not wish to be caught up
in the reshuffle expected next month with any hint that they have been
sacked.
Most of them wish to devote themselves to commerce and industry and
important directorships may be at stake.
They would wish the same kind of letter that the Prime Minister wrote
to Sir Norman yesterday: ''You made it clear to me some time ago that
you wanted to stand down as party chairman this summer. I would like to
put on record my thanks for everything you have done since April 1992 --
and for agreeing to stay on in post until I appoint your successor.''
This is widely expected to be Mr David Hunt, Employment Secretary, who
has been wooing the party faithful since last autumn's conference in
Blackpool.
He appears prepared to soldier with the Prime Minister into the next
General Election whenever that might come, possibly to the detriment of
his own political career. If he becomes the party chairman next month he
is likely to have to leave the Cabinet.
Sir Norman quit the Thatcher administration after being in Cabinet
since 1979 on the ground that he wanted to spend more time with his
family. He is chairman of an important industrial group in the Midlands
and now he wants to devote more time to his business interests.
His ''Dear John'' letter to the Prime Minister yesterday said: ''You
have known for some months my intention to stand down as chairman of the
Conservative Party organisation once the elections were completed and to
continue my political career on the back benches. I know that you would
like me to remain in post until you appoint a successor and I am clearly
happy to do that.''
The Prime Minister sent him and his wife Fiona his best wishes.
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