26 July 2002
LGA Conservative leader Gordon Keymer told Public Finance that Theresa May's appointment as party chair would bind the party together. 'Of course, Theresa May was in local government herself and I think her appointment is good news,' he said.
'I think it will strengthen the links between the party and local government. Her main role is bringing together all elements of the party to work together for success and local government is a big part of that.'
The former London Borough of Merton councillor became the party's first woman chair in Duncan Smith's reshuffle on July 23. She has been charged with attracting more ethnic minority and women candidates.
May said she was 'absolutely delighted' with her new role. 'I believe the Conservative Party has changed and my appointment symbolises that change,' she added.
'Our job is to oppose a government that is taking more and more of people's money, but is delivering poor public services.'
She replaced David Davis, the former Public Accounts Committee chair, who was removed from the position of party chair he assumed after last year's general election.
Davis was given the newly created post of shadow secretary of state for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Duncan Smith said the holidaying Davis had been 'very happy' to take the job but the move has been widely regarded as a step down the political ladder.
This was denied by deputy Tory leader Michael Ancram who told the BBC: 'Shadowing the deputy prime minister is hardly a demotion. It's a very important job and I am sure he will do it very well.'
Keymer predicted that Davis and shadow local government minister Eric Pickles would forge a formidable partnership and expected some sparks in Davis's Parliamentary encounters with John Prescott.
Tim Collins has taken the position of shadow transport secretary vacated by May. John Whittingdale has taken over the culture, media and sport brief and Tim Yeo has become spokesman for trade and industry. Howard Flight joins the Tory front bench as shadow chief secretary to the treasury.
PFjul2002
