Growing up with Michael Howard

By Tom Bourton BBC Wales News Online

Renee Woolf grew up with Michael Howard in Llanelli

As Michael Howard is crowned leader of the Conservative party, BBC News Online looks back at his days growing up in Llanelli.

The former home secretary has replaced Iain Duncan Smith, who was ousted last week.

His cousin Renee Woolf, who now lives in Cardiff, remembers what he was like as a boy.

"We grew up together - we lived down the road from each other - he was in the next street.

"We always went places together with the family - we were very close.

"He was a character because he used to tell us as a young boy 'I'm going to be in Parliament', and we said 'Don't be ridiculous'.

"We used to say 'Go away with you', 'Get away with you' - we used to laugh at him.

"He said he was going to be a lawyer, a barrister.

"I was one of six children; Michael was one of two but it was a close family bond.

Michael Howard was born in Gorseinon in Swansea

"We all mixed very well together as a Jewish community.

"We joined up on Friday nights and different Jewish holidays.

"We celebrated the culture together. Michael was very learned, he could do any service.

"I feel very lucky to have been part of that community - there was a great rapport and a great camaraderie in Llanelli.

"People were marvellous and the neighbours were very caring.

"My sisters are more close to him now - we still see Auntie Hilda, his mother - she lives in London.

He doesn't forget his roots - I think that is very important Renee Woolf

"My sisters in London take them out - she is an amazing woman - she is 95 but is sharp as a button.

"I can honestly say he is a very nice man.

"He came to the Cardiff synagogue about 18 months ago - he gave a talk and he ran up and hugged me - he's lovely.

"He is a very family-minded person and is wonderful to his mother.

"He looks after her - he is that kind of person."

"We had many laughs with Michael - I always keep an eye on his career.

"I look back fondly - he doesn't forget his roots - I think that is very important."