LONDON The Conservative Party moved last night to ensure that Mr John Major will not face a fresh challenge to his leadership before a general election expected next year.
The party's 1922 Committee, which runs its internal organisation in parliament, decided to bar a challenge to Mr Major in October, the traditional month for such contests. This will help to dampen speculation that if the party's opinion poll ratings, currently standing at more than 25 points behind Labour, remain dismal, the party could dump Mr Major for a more charismatic leader.