06 Nov 03. Following the resignation of the Rt. Hon I Duncan Smith MP, the Rt. Hon M Howard QC MP became Leader of the Parliamentary Conservative Party and thus Leader of The Opposition. Mr Howard was not opposed for his new appointment. Nicholas Soames M.P. was nominated as Shadow Defence Secretary, replacing incumbent Bernard Jenkin M.P. Comment: Mr Duncan Smith was voted out of office by Conservative MPs (163 MPs and two Deputy Speakers), by 90 votes to 75, on 29 Oct 03. Mr Howard was a Cabinet Minister from 1990 to 1997, holding the posts of Employment Secretary, Environment Secretary and Home Secretary. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 03/44, 10 Nov 03)
Nov 03. Unconfirmed reports suggest that former CDP, Sir Robert Walmsley may be joining EADS, joining former colleague Sir Jeremy Blackham.