-Caveat Lector- Ex-British Minister Seeks Return LONDON (AP) - Just hours after the publication of a newspaper interview in which he acknowledged homosexual encounters in his youth, a former British defense minister announced he once again would run for the House of Commons. Michael Portillo, widely regarded as a potential Conservative Party leader, said he will seek the party's nomination in the safe Tory district of Kensington and Chelsea in London. He hopes to replace Alan Clark, the outspoken and flamboyant former defense minister, who died on Sunday. Portillo, 46, was defense secretary in John Major's Conservative government from 1995 to 1997. Portillo's defeat in the 1997 general election was the most shocking setback for the Conservatives, whose 18 years in power ended under a Labor Party landslide. Had he held his seat, Portillo would have been a strong contender to succeed Major as party leader. The interview published Thursday in The Times was conducted July 26. Portillo, who is married, had previously referred to rumors about his sexuality. Asked whether he had had homosexual experiences while he was a student at Cambridge University, Portillo replied: ``I will say what I want to say. I had some homosexual experiences as a young person.'' Portillo was elected to the House of Commons in 1984, and served in Major's Cabinets as chief secretary to the Treasury, trade secretary and finally as defense secretary. With Portillo beaten two years ago, William Hague was elected party leader. With Conservative poll ratings showing little or no improvement since the last election, Hague has been dogged by constant speculation that he may be ousted as party leader. DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
