LONDON, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Michael Howard was crowned Thursday Britain's new Conservative leader -- and he achieved the post without a contest.
The London Guardian said Sir Michael Spicer announced Thursday morning there had only been "one valid nomination" for the post. That automatically made Howard the fourth Tory leader in the past six years.
To the supportive banging of desks by Tory MPs in the committee room, Sir Michael said: "Under the rules of the party I therefore declare Michael Howard is elected leader of the Conservative party and Her Majesty's opposition."
The Guardian said the 62-year old former home secretary's ascendancy comes only a week after Iain Duncan Smith was ousted from the post as Tory boss in a vote of confidence called just two years into his leadership.
Howard is expected to announce his shadow cabinet Friday.
