JULY 17, 2001

Ken Clark wins Tory leadership ballot

BAR chairman Kenneth Clarke has pulled of a remarkable victory in the election for the leadership of the British conservative party. Clarke came out top in the three-man ballot and his chief rival Michael Portillo now says he is leaving politics, having been beaten into third place in the ballot. This should guarantee Clarke victory in the contest.

If that happens Clarke will have to give up his role with British American Tobacco (including the BAR job) but while he remains a race fan, Clarke's influence in British politics remains limited as there is little chance of the Tory party being elected to government.