Growing Expectation Of Macmillan Resigning

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30057, 15 February 1963, Page 9

Growing Expectation Of Macmillan Resigning

(N.Z. Pres* Association— Copyright) LONDON, February 14. The future of Mr Macmillan as Conservative Party leader was being seriously discussed, the “Daily Mail” political correspondent said today.

The correspondent said there was a mood of “deep unrest” and “despondency” spreading among Conservative members of Parliament.

The target-in-chief was Mr Macmillan—“for failing to provide badly needed leadership.” The two major causes were his failure to make a rousing speech in this week’s Parliamentary Common Market debate and the cancellation of Princess Margaret’s Paris visit.

The correspondent said: “The mood of despondency is such that Mir Macmillan's future as party leader is being discussed seriously. “There is widespread criticism: Even a feeling among some back-benchers that he should retire and make wa y tor someone who can give the party a boost and better prospects. But at this point M.P.’s stick. They cannot decide who should be the successor.” Two names were being mentioned freely: the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Reginald Maudiling, and the Lord Privy Seal, Mr Edward Heath.

The "Daily Express” political correspondent said

opinion in the Conservative Party was beginning to crystallise on the issue of Mr Miacmii Item's successor. A large and growing number of M.P.’s were considering either Mr Heath or Mr Maudling. The “Daily Mirror” said reports that Mr Macmillan was considering whether to resign were circulating among Conservative M.P.’s last night. But the Prime Mdnister’s friends said he was in excellent health aind determined to lead the party at the next General Election, the “Daily Mirror” added. The reports of possible resignation were based on the fact that there was little time left tor a successor to build up his authority before am election.

The “Daily Mirror” said there was no doubt the size of the group which thought Mr Macmillan should go was growing. The “Daily Sketch’s” political correspondent said many Conservative backbenchers “would not be surprised if at Easter or in May Mr Macmillan decided to bow out gracefully.” Such a move would give has successor time to establish himself before the next General Election.