WINSTON CHURCHILL

Southland Times, Issue 19357, 24 September 1924, Page 5

WINSTON CHURCHILL

BACK TO CONSERVATIVE FOLD OFFICIAL “PROSPECTIVE” CANDIDATE THE STORMY PETREL OF BRITISH POLITICS (By Telegraph— Press Assn.—Copyright) (Reuter’s Telegrams). LONDON, September 23. (Received September 23, 11.5 p.m.). Mr Winston Churchill has been officially adopted as the prospective Conservative candidate for Epping Division of Essex, at present held by Sir Leonard Lyle (Conservative ). Mr Winston Churchill is unquestionably the most picturesque figure in British politics, and has been for many years, even to the extent of dimming the brilliance of Mr Lloyd George. His extraordinary vitality, vivacity and versatility would prevent him from being overshadowed anywhere, and it is this fact which invest his attempts to reenter the House of Commons with so much interest, an interest which is heightened by reason of the immense possibilities which his re-election might mean to the Conservative Party, towards the leadership of which he is regarded as drifting in spite of all opposition. Mr Churchill broke with the Conservative Party on the tariff question, and he parted company with the Liberals on the socialism issue. In his wanderings he must find a tent for shelter, and although he was at first waved away from the door of the Conservative tent he possesses that peculiar quality of forcefulness which has enabled him to gain an entrance in spite of the official controllers of the Party. The next interesting turn to the situation is what will be said by the Conservative Party. Those members who have found it so hard to forgive Mr Austen Chamberlain and Lord Birkenhead for their Coalition affiliations cannot be expected to show enthusiasm. For the rest, while no one can deny Mr Churchill’s ability many will question his value as a Party asset. He still remains one of the chief figures in bitter controversies by no means dead. He is the stormy petrel of present-day politics.