National Party.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 19824, 29 September 1936, Page 3

National Party.

NEW LEADER IN VIEW. EARLY DECISION LIKELY. MR. WILKINSON'S STATEMENT. (By Teiefen-apn.—Press Assoclutiori). ELTHAM, Sept, 29. "Now that 1 am'a member of the Opposition I shall give the party my wholehearted support "and be loyal to any leader the party may elect," said Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, M.P. for Egmont, in an intervicAV at Elthani. He added that it was generally understood that Miv.-.G. W. Forbes was willing to abide by any decision the party came to regarding the leadership. Mr. Wilkinson said Mr. Forbes was entitled to great credit for the stand he was"taking. Mr. Wilkinson could not indicate who would be the next leader, but there would be more than one candidate. Whoever assumed the mantle of leadership would need to devote considerable time and energy to protecting the interests of all those opposed to socialism/' ' • «'■•■-- "The- session of Parliament should end in about three ; weeks," added Mr.. Wilkinson, %nd after- that the National party would hold a meek ing : to decide the 'vital question of leadership." ... Mr. Wilkinson said his decision of last week to ally himself with the Opposition in the House was made in view of the definitely socialisic objective of the present Government. He said he had made the change, with some regret, as he would have to retain,his individuality as an Independent member, but the political situation had- been so changed'since the last election that in his opinion the needs of the country must be set. above all individual predilections.