CONSERVATIVES CHOOSE

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30815, 29 July 1965, Page 17

CONSERVATIVES CHOOSE

Heath Becomes New Leader (N.Z.P.A Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, July 28. Mr Edward Heath, a 49-year-old pro-European progressive, last night became the new leader of the Conservative Party. His selection became assured when his close and long-standing rival, Mr Reginald Maudling, aged 48, announced he had conceded victory to Mr Heath. Earlier yesterday Mr Heath had topped an inconclusive ballot—the first for a Conservative leader.

Mr Maudling said in a statement: “Mr Heath has obtained an over-all majority on the first ballot. I am very grateful to all the friends who have supported me, but I have no doubt at all that, in the interest of the party, I should not contest another ballot.

“I hope to have the opportunity of working under Mr Heath's leadership to defeat the present Government as soon as possible.”

Earlier. Mr Enoc’ Powell, aged 53. the third candidate in yesterday's contest, and Mr Peter Thorneycroft, aged 56 a potential candidate bo'h announced they would not take part in a second ba’lot. Many Conservative members of Parliament who previously voted for Mr Maudling said after the ballot that they would if necessary switch their votes to Mr Heath to ensure that no “third man” could shatter party unity by dragging on the struggle.

With the Government holding a slender three-vote overall majority in the House of Commons, and a new General Election expected some time next year, Mr Heath stands a good chance of becoming Britain's next Prime Minister. Conservatives can now be expected to press ahead with more pro-European and modernising policies, and the party battle against the Labour Party will be sharply stepped up. Mr Heath is likely to announce an early reshuffle of the Conservative “shadow cabinet.” and to invite Sir Alec Douglas-Home to stay in the party's front bench team U.S. Content United Sates officials in Washington today welcomed the succession of Mr Heath to the leadership of the Conservative Party. There was no formal comment from either the White House or the State Department, but officials privately expressed their satisfaction with the outcome. While the officials made it clear that they were neutral in the struggle between Mr Heath and Mr Maudling they said they had great respect for Mr Heath’s abilities as a negotiator.