Michael Howard sacks Boris Johnson

1.37.35pm GMT Sun 14th Nov 2004

Boris Johnson, as Editor of the Spectator, invited Michael Howard to present the Spectator Awards last week. When Michael Howard opened the envelope to declare the winner of 'Politician of the Year' it turned out to be Charles Kennedy, Leader of the Liberal Democrats! We wonder if this embarrassment for Michael Howard was a contributing factor to Boris Johnson being sacked from the Conservative front bench.

In advance of this announcement, Simon Hughes MP, recently elected President of the LibDems, and guest speaker at the annual dinner of the West Worcestershire constituency party last Friday evening, told members about the Spectator Awards to great amusement by all present. The LibDems have just taken control of Malvern Hills District Council, following a by-election victory on 21 October, and the party is gearing up for the forthcoming general election, expected to be on May 5 next year.