Norris backs liberal way

12:57pm Wednesday 11th July 2001

Former Tory mayoral candidate Steven Norris has thrown his considerable political weight behind Michael Portillo's leadership campaign.

Mr Norris is feeling "quietly vindicated" that his liberal attitudes look increasingly likely to be adopted by the mainstream party. He told the Times Group: "I was just a jerk when somebody of stature like Michael Portillo embraces this philosophy and sees the wisdom of this there's hope for the future of the Conservative Party."

During last year's London mayoral contest, Mr Norris shocked members of his own party with his moderate views on issues such as gay rights but won friends among voters and minority groups. He has seen those views picked up by the likes of Michael Portillo who is now trying to forge a new 'cuddly' Conservative Party.

"I'd like to think part of the process of thinking again is to think about the success we had campaigning as a tolerant, inclusive, grown-up party during the GLA elections," he said.

Some commentators have accused Mr Portillo of cynicism. Mr Norris disagrees: "I believe strongly that Michael Portillo is the candidate who understands the nature of the tests the current Tory Party faces in terms of appealing to a much wider electorate."

Councillor Brian Coleman, GLA member for Barnet and Camden, is supporting Mr Portillo as is former Hendon South MP John Marshall. Sir Sydney Chapman, Chipping Barnet MP, has not declared.