Parliamentary speaker Andreas Norlén on Monday formally proposed Kristersson as the new prime minister of Sweden. The conservative leader said the other two parties in the centre-right Alliance – the Centre Party and the Liberals – had chosen not to be part of his proposed government. Kristersson will be put to the test on Wednesday in what will in all likelihood be a historic vote: it has never happened before in modern times that a prime ministerial candidate has been voted down by parliament. Under Sweden's system of 'negative parliamentarism', he does not need to receive a single vote in his favour. Instead, he must ensure that fewer than 175 members of parliament actively vote against him. However, if he does not secure a last-minute deal with either the Liberal Party or the Centre Party, it currently looks unlikely that he will manage this. If you assume that all 144 MPs representing the Social Democrats, Left Party, and Green Party will vote against him, … [Read more...] about Swedish conservative leader to face prime minister vote with minority coalition
Conservatives
Merkel critic Seehofer wants to resign as Bavarian conservative chief
BERLIN (Reuters) - German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, a critic of Chancellor Angela Merkel's liberal asylum policies, has told members of his Bavarian conservative party that he wants to resign as party chief, several German newspapers reported on Sunday. Under Seehofer the Christian Social Union (CSU), Merkel's Bavarian allies, suffered their worst results since 1950 in an election last month in the southern state after his anti-immigration campaign backfired. (Reporting by Joseph Nasr; editing by David Stamp) … [Read more...] about Merkel critic Seehofer wants to resign as Bavarian conservative chief
Brexit has left government a ‘bit worn out’, Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat says
A senior Conservative MP has said voters will likely want a change at the top once Brexit is sorted out - and that it's "hardly surprising" the government has become a "bit worn out" by negotiating Britain's exit from Europe. Tom Tugendhat, who is seen by many as a future Tory leadership candidate, told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday that he was "waiting to see what deal the prime minister brings back".But he added: "I haven't made any great secret of the fact that I would consider running for my party leadership at some point." Theresa May is trying to secure an exit deal with Brussels and get it through parliament in time for when Britain leaves in March 2019.One element of the near-constant speculation about the PM's leadership is the suggestion that the Conservatives should "skip a generation" and pick a fresh face to succeed Mrs May.Proponents argue this would allow someone untainted by the battles over Brexit to reinvigorate the party and take on Jeremy Corbyn and Labour ahead of … [Read more...] about Brexit has left government a ‘bit worn out’, Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat says
Theresa May’s limp leadership is alienating Conservatives of all stripes
Quentin Letts Follow 10 November 2018 • 6:00pm Jo Johnson was not the only mild-mannered soul to give up on Theresa May last week. An elderly friend of mine – let us call her Molly – decided after more than half a century’s activism that she could no longer bear belonging to the Conservatives. Molly once ran the voluntary party in western England. Under Margaret Thatcher and John Major she held national positions and knew plenty of Cabinet ministers, including Mrs May. Although a Leaver, she quite liked David Cameron and regarded Ukip with displeasure. But she now feels so adrift, so un-led, she will not renew her Tory membership. When she calmly told me her decision, I was staggered. For this most true-blue of Tory ladies to quit the party... To continue reading this article Start your free trial of Premium Access all Premium articles Subscriber-only events Cancel any time Free for 30 days then only £2 per … [Read more...] about Theresa May’s limp leadership is alienating Conservatives of all stripes
German conservatives lean towards Merkel protege to run CDU
By Andrea Shalal BERLIN (Reuters) - German conservatives narrowly favour Angela Merkel's protege to succeed her as Christian Democrat (CDU) leader, a poll showed, as rivals for the position promised to back the chancellor through her fourth term if they win. Some 35 percent of supporters of the conservative bloc that also includes the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) said they backed Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer to take over the CDU helm, Friday's survey for broadcaster ZDF showed. Businessman Friedrich Merz scored 33 percent and Health Minister Jens Spahn 7 percent. CDU delegates will elect a new leader at a party congress in December, but views among the larger conservative bloc are likely to shape how they vote. Whoever wins is expected to become the CDU's candidate for chancellor at the next national election in 2021. While stepping down as CDU leader, Merkel has said she plans to serve her fourth term in full, though there has been speculation that she might leave early if … [Read more...] about German conservatives lean towards Merkel protege to run CDU