BRITISH POLITICS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10816, 4 February 1921, Page 6

BRITISH POLITICS

GENERAL ELECTION AND NEW GROUPS. - DAME RUMOUR BUST. Reuter’s Telegram. LONDON, February 1. While official circles maintain that there is no question of a general election, the rumours persist. There is much speculation as to the possible formation of fresh groups. It is reported that Earl Grey may emerge from his retirement, as his eyesight is better, and act in conjunction with Lord Robert Cecil. Another rumour predicts the .formation of new groups headed by Mr Winston Churchill and Lord Birkenhead (Lord High Chancellor). . Independent Liberals, however, believe that fhe Government is determined to pass the bill for the reform of the Honse of Lords before there is any appeal to the country. Thus there can be no election until .the end of the year. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL EFFECT OF HIS RECENT INHERITANCE. LONDON, February 1. The “Daily Mail” declares that Mr Churchill’s inheritance from Lord Henry Vane Tempest is the greatest blow the Coalition has received. His independence ontirely alters t>e face of future politics. Similarly tp Chatham, his advent of wealth and freedom makes Mr Churchill the most formidable element in politics to-day and the greatest single danger to Government solidarity. Lord Henry Vane Tempest was killed in the recent railway disaster at Abermule, in Wales. Mr Churchill, his cousin, inherits a large .estate in Ireland, the rent-roll of which arqaunts to eeveral thousands a year.