CONSERVATIVES across the district were said to be 'delighted' at the news that Lord Parkinson of Carnforth has been made the new party chairman. A Tory stalwart of the Thatcher years, infamous for an affair with his secretary, Sara Keays, he has been given the tough job of reuniting the troubled party by newly elected leader, William Hague. He has been in the political wilderness since leaving the Government and entering the Lords and the appointment came as a surprise to many.

Carnforth's County Councillor, David Wood, said it was fantastic that a 'Lancashire lad' would be at the helm of the party.

"Cecil faces a momentous task but I'm delighted that he's been given the job," said Cllr Wood.

"He's an old Lancastrian and under Cecil's guidance William Hague will find it a lot easier to lead the party.

He will steer the ship in the right direction and should have been brought back earlier in my opinion. The Tories have been bedevilled by arrogance and ignorance and we now have to get back on track."

Lord Parkinson was born and bred in Carnforth. His mum worked at the Station Hotel and his father worked on the railways. He went to Lancaster Royal Grammar School and maintains close contact with the school.

Cecil Parkinson

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