Hague puts Thatcher adviser on front bench
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.William Hague reshuffled his front bench yesterday ahead of next week's conference, promoting Oliver Letwin, a former policy adviser to Baroness Thatcher, to the shadow cabinet treasury team.
William Hague reshuffled his front bench yesterday ahead of next week's conference, promoting Oliver Letwin, a former policy adviser to Baroness Thatcher, to the shadow cabinet treasury team.
The Conservative leader also moved Angela Browning from her trade and industry brief to take on Margaret Beckett as shadow Leader of the House of Commons. Mr Hague replaced Mrs Browning with David Heathcoat-Amory, MP for Wells, after three and a half years as shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
The reshuffle was prompted by Sir George Young, shadow Leader of the House, saying he wished to step down to campaign to be the next House of Commons speaker. Mr Hague's promotion of Mr Letwin, the West Dorset MP, who is regarded as a rising star in the party, will be viewed by many in Westminster as a swing to the right.
In an interview on Radio 4, earlier this year he said that the next election would be fought between a party that "wants to tax a lot and spend a lot and regulate and intervene a lot and a party that wants to tax rather less, spend rather less and intervene rather less."
The former merchant banker and director of NM Rothschild will work with Michael Portillo, shadow Chancellor, to help frame future policy on taxation and spending.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments