CHURCHILL BUSY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 25 May 1945, Page 5

CHURCHILL BUSY

; SELECTION OF NEW MINISTERS . 100 POSTS TO FILL CHANCE FOR BACKBENCHERS London, May 24. The British Government to-day consists of one man, Mr Winston Churchill, who is busy Cabinet-mak-ing, says the “Evening Standard” political correspondent. Mr Churchill has 100 posts to fill and 359 Conservatives, and 24 Liberal-Nationals from whom to choose. Many Ministers who have just left office will be promoted. Backbenchers will have their greatest opportunity for years of entering the charmed circle of the Government. Thirty newcomers will be needed to replace Labourites 'and Liberals who have withdrawn. Mr Churchill is consulting party whips on picking the most promising backbenchers and his trusted advisors are among Conservative ex-Ministers, notably Mr Brendon Bracken, who is also helping. It is expected that Mr Churchill will bring in Ministers from the outside, like Lord Leathers, Mr Oliver Lyttelton, and Sir James Grigg, whom he brought from big business and from the civil service. The names of the principal new Ministers will b e submitted to His Majesty during the week-end. Labourites, immediately Parliament reassembles, will assume a role of most active opposition. Stirring days may be expected with a hostile Opposition operating for the first time in five years, and prospects of the forthcoming election campaign overshadowing everything. GENERAL FREYBERG NOT TO STAND London, May 23. General Freyberg has decided pot to stand as Conservative candidate for Spelthorne, Middlesex, owing t 0 military considerations. He was chosen when the sitting member decided not to seek re-election. UNCIO DELEGATION New York, May 23. The whole British delegation except Lord Halifax submitted their resignations from Government posts following Mr ChurchiH and Cabinet’s resignation, says the “New York Times” San Francisco correspondent. It was emphasised .however, that the delegations’ official status would not be affected. Moreover, there would be no wholesale departure of British representatives.