November 4, 2003. Copyright, 2003, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Profile of BritainÕs new Conservative Party leader, Michael Howard
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, November 4, Graphic News:  Michael Howard, the man once famously described as having Òsomething of the nightÓ about him, may seem an unlikely figure to herald the new Tory dawn.Yet he is probably still the ConservativesÕ best chance of shaking the ruling Labour Party out of its waking dream.

Since losing his 1997 leadership bid to William Hague, Howard has hovered in the shadows -- his brand of Conservatism seen as unpalatable to both the party faithful and the public. The sudden ÒrebirthÓ of the 62-year-old as leader speaks volumes not just about the Tories but about the state of modern British politics.

Born in 1941 in Llanelli, Wales, the son of a Romanian Jewish shopkeeper, the current shadow chancellor studied law and was a QC before becoming MP for Folkestone and Hythe in 1983, and taking up the post of Home Secretary under John Major in 1993. Howard was certainly one of the ÒCambridge MafiaÓ who surrounded Margaret Thatcher in her heyday and possibly one of the Eurosceptic ÒbastardsÓ whose plotting contributed to MajorÕs humilation at the polls in 1997.

Like him or loathe him, most agree that Howard has the forensic skills so sorely lacking in his two predecessors. This year colleagues wondered aloud whether he should be leading them after he tore shreds off Chancellor Gordon Brown over delays to a referendum on the Euro. With Howard at the helm, there will be no more snoozing through Question Time for Prime Minister Tony Blair. On the other hand, the embattled Blair has been handed a rival who is easier to hate.

To many, Howard is still the most illiberal Home Secretary Britain ever had. He presided over the despised poll tax and oversaw a tough crackdown on asylum seekers. Refreshing such memories recently, LabourÕs Lord Falconer said Òhe has something of the right about himÓ, a twist on the famous phrase by Ann Widdecombe, who served under Howard as a Home Office minister. More than anything, however, HowardÕs name is linked to prisons.

HowardÕs lowest point came in 1996 after he sacked UK prisons chief Derek Lewis following an escape from Whitemoor jail. Lewis said afterwards that Howard had Òthe substance of the Cheshire Cat, the menace of Uriah Heep and the sincerity of Bob MonkhouseÓ. The episode contributed not just to HowardsÕs defeat in the leadership contest but also to his collection of sworn enemies.

Supporters say he has mellowed since then. The Liverpool FC fan has tried to soften his Mr Nasty image with brighter clothes and new haircut in photoshoots with glamorous wife Sandra. Opponents have poured scorn on his declarations that he will lead the Tories from Òthe centreÓ while others have pointed out that, under New Labour, the centre is too crowded. And letÕs not forget, they say, that Labour Home Secretaries Jack Straw and David Blunkett have modelled themselves on Howard whose watch did coincide with a 15 percent drop in crime.

Howard may be a Òbig hitterÓ with smooth delivery and the brains to match Blair, but he will need to carve out clear distinctions between the parties in order to pose a real challenge. But the further to the right that Blair moves, the harder this may be to accomplish. A key distinction between the two is the issue of Europe. On this, at least, Michael Howard is not for turning.

For the time being, Howard will probably stave off what had begun to look like inevitable decline for the Conservative Party. He may even restore hope and self-respect to many a wavering Tory voter and possibly keep the home fires burning until the right throws up a Blair or Brown capable of real modernisation.
/ENDS