Tories Pick Hard-Liner as Their New Leader
- Share via
The opposition Conservative Party chose hard-liner Iain Duncan Smith as its new leader, marking a turn to the right and rejecting warnings from those who said his selection would doom the Tories to political irrelevance.
In a two-man race decided by party members, Duncan Smith handily beat veteran officeholder Kenneth Clarke, 61% to 39%.
Under Britain’s parliamentary system, Duncan Smith, 47, would become prime minister if the Conservatives win the next national election, probably at least four years off.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
