Date: 18th October 2005
Released by: ANDREW TURNER

Island MP Andrew Turner has announced that he will back Dr Liam Fox in the first ballot on the Conservative Party leadership, which will take place this afternoon.

Mr Turner said :

“All four candidates are of high calibre and it is truly difficult to choose between them. I have been contacted by a number of Islanders, including members of the IW Conservative Association, and they have offered me all sorts of advice – but what is clear is that there is support for all candidates and no strong consensus around a particular candidate.

“I have therefore decided to vote for Liam Fox. He brings together the widest range of skills needed to lead the Party to success in a General Election:

• He is an able communicator. Not only did he make the second best speech – some would say the best – at the Party Conference, but he has a ‘bedside manner’ which comes over well on television and radio;
• He has ministerial experience and experience of a wide range of front-bench responsibilities, including as Party Chairman where I worked with him;
• As a former GP he understands the public services, and the worries of ordinary voters – and as a junior hospital doctor he developed the stamina for the job;
• He is clear on policy issues, which in these days of excessive spin remains important;
• He is widely liked and is not regarded as cliquish.

“The great thing about this election is that there is no-one who would cause me great concern if he won. I am confident that they are all up to the job and would be effective leaders of our Party.”

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Contact : Andrew Turner 01983 530808