Howard first Welsh Tory leader

Howard is Tory leader Growing up with Michael Howard

Michael Howard has been named the first Welsh-born leader of the Conservative Party.

The Gorseinon-born former Home Secretary was announced the new leader at 1220 GMT on Thursday after no alternative candidate opposed him.

Mr Howard, who was brought up in Llanelli, west Wales, became the prime candidate for the leadership of the party following last week's vote of no confidence in Iain Duncan Smith.

In Mr Howard's native Wales, political figures welcomed his appointment as Tory leader.

Nick Bourne, leader of the Conservatives in the Welsh assembly said he would have the full support of the party in Wales.

I think the moment you're in the slot of being a possible Prime Minister, everyone examines every detail of your past life, including where you went to school Peter Walker

Mr Bourne said: "I am delighted at the news that Michael Howard has been elected leader of the Conservative Party.

"The fact that he has been elected unopposed shows that the Conservative Party at Westminster is united in its desire to hold this disastrous Labour Government to account and in its determination to ensure their total defeat at the next general election.

'Wealth of experience'

"Michael Howard can rely on the support of the entire Welsh Conservative Party in this task."

Shadow Secretary of State of Wales, Nigel Evans, said Mr Howard would unite the party.

He added: "I believe that Michael Howard is going to be someone who has a huge wealth of experience.

"And he is somebody who will be able to get the entire party behind him."

Former Secretary of State for Wales, Peter Walker, now Lord Walker of Worcester, said that Mr Howard was a leader who could revive the party's fortunes.

"For the first time for four years we have somebody leading the party with considerable political experience," he said.

"This man has been Home Secretary, he has been Shadow Foreign Secretary and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.

'Possible Prime Minister'

"He has a formidable reputation at the despatch box and knows the political scene exceedingly well."

Lord Walker added that Mr Howard's background in Wales, as well as his policies, would be under the microscope following his elevation to the party's top job.

He said: "I think the moment you're in the slot of being a possible Prime Minister, everyone examines every detail of your past life, including where you went to school and so on."

Mr Howard was announced Conservative Party leader after no other candidates came forward by a noon deadline on Thursday.

Sir Michel Spicer, chairman of the backbench 1922 committee, formally proclaimed Mr Howard the only valid nomination for the top job at 1220 GMT.

Mr Howard, who was shadow chancellor before his elevation to leader, may delay for some days his appointment of a new shadow team.