Michael Portillo

The Right Honourable Michael Denzil Xavier Portillo (born 26 May 1953) is a journalist and was a British Conservative politician.

In opposition and after

His loss in the 1997 general election to Stephen Twigg came as a shock to many politicians and commentators, and came to symbolise the extent of the Conservatives' rout. Memorably he was interviewed by Jeremy Paxman on the election night prior to the calling of his own seat and was stumped by the question of 'Are we seeing the end of the Conservative Party as a credible force in British politics?' He renewed his attachment to Kerr McGee but also did substantial media work to maintain his profile including programmes for the BBC and Channel 4. He worked hard to reposition his reputation as more of a centre-right figure, even confessing to youthful bisexual dalliances.

Related Topics:
1997 general election - Stephen Twigg - Jeremy Paxman - Conservative Party - BBC - Channel 4

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He returned to parliament in a by-election in late November 1999 representing Kensington and Chelsea, succeeding Alan Clark in this very safe Conservative seat. In February 1 2000 William Hague promoted him to the Shadow Cabinet as shadow Chancellor. On February 3 Portillo stood opposite the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, in the House of Commons for the first time in his new role. During this session Portillo made two significant announcements:

Related Topics:
A by-election in late November 1999 - Kensington and Chelsea - Alan Clark - February 1 - 2000 - William Hague - February 3 - Gordon Brown

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• The next Conservative Government will respect the independence of the Bank of England and will legislate to enhance that independence and increase accountability to Parliament.
• The next Conservative Government will not repeal the national minimum wage.

Both of these policies were flagship policies of New Labour and were bitterly opposed by the Conservative Party when introduced and indeed up until Portillo's annoucement. Commentators suggested this was an example of Portillo taking the initiative in terms of Conservative party policy and was the first step towards increasing acrimony between Hague and his shadow Chancellor.

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Following the 2001 general election he contested the leadership of the party, initially leading well but was knocked out in the final round of voting by Conservative MPs. When Iain Duncan Smith was elected leader Portillo returned to the backbenches. In 2003 he announced that he would not seek reselection as the Conservative candidate for the Kensington and Chelsea seat, and stepped down from the House of Commons at the 2005 general election. He said that he expected to pursue his interests in the media and the arts.

Related Topics:
2001 general election - Iain Duncan Smith - 2003 - 2005 general election

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Since 2003 he has appeared in the BBC weekly political discussion programme This Week with Andrew Neil and Diane Abbott. In fact his history with Diane Abbott stems back many years, they both went to school in Harrow, at one stage playing Macbeth opposite her Lady Macbeth in a school production of the Shakespeare classic.

Related Topics:
2003 - BBC - This Week - Andrew Neil - Diane Abbott - Macbeth - Lady Macbeth - Shakespeare

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He has been married to Carolyn Eadie since 1982, although they have no children, and is a practising Roman Catholic, often attending Mass at Westminster Cathedral in London.

Related Topics:
1982 - Westminster Cathedral - London

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