Tories shake up media operations

Selling Central Office is among other changes

The Conservatives have unveiled a clear-out of senior media officials.

Director of strategic communications Paul Baverstock, news chief Nick Wood and head of broadcasting Nick Longworth, are leaving Tory HQ.

The trio, all in former leader Iain Duncan Smith's close entourage, are to be replaced by officials hand-picked by new Tory chief Michael Howard.

The changes are part of Mr Howard's attempts to reform the party in the run-up to the next general election.

Slimming down

Wednesday's announcements are the first shake-up of internal staffing at the Smith Square headquarters.

Mr Wood is the longest-serving of the departing officials. The former political editor of the Daily Express became the party's chief spokesman in the parliamentary lobby in December 1998 and was later promoted to become head of news.

Head of broadcasting Mr Longworth stood as a Tory candidate at the last election, having previously worked for BBC World.

Conservative co-chairman Liam Fox expressed his "sincere thanks" to the three officials.

He said: "Paul Baverstock has made a major impact over the last year developing our political and communications strategies.

"Nick Wood has given outstanding and devoted service to two leaders of the party over the last five years; and Nick Longworth has played a leading role in improving our broadcasting operation."

Inquiry witness

There is also speculation that senior official Vanessa Gearson is also to leave.

Ms Gearson came to public prominence when her leaked e-mail sparked allegations that Mr Duncan Smith's wife Betsy was not doing enough work to justify her salary as the then Tory leader's diary secretary.

A Tory prospective candidate for Cheltenham, she vowed to tell the tell the truth whatever the consequences.

Parliamentary standards commissioner Sir Philip Mawer is still investigating those claims, but Mr Duncan Smith has insisted the inquiry will exonerate him and his wife.

In his first days at the Tory helm, Mr Howard has slashed the size of his shadow cabinet by more than half to 12.

He has also appointed two party chairmen: advertising guru Lord Saatchi to run Conservative Central Office and Dr Fox to take charge of campaigning, media and policy.

And on Tuesday, the Tory board agreed to sell Central Office, the party's home since the 1950s, and move to a new, more suitable premises as soon as possible.