Conservatives abroad vote in a new chairman, Peter Newey, at AGM

The Majorca branch of Conservatives abroad entered a new era yesterday when a young, politically experienced Yorkshireman was voted in as the new branch chairman. Peter Newey, a Calvia restaurateur who moved to the island in 1999, is no stranger to either politics or committees. Until he left England, he was Association Chairman in Sutton Coldfield, where Sir Norman Fowler has been the MP for the past 26 years - he is due to retire at the next election. Having joined the Conservative Party at the age of 22, Newey hopes that his experience, and that of the members, can be used to take Conservatives Abroad forward. Newey said yesterday that his immediate priorities for the local branch is to increase membership but he also said “the branch members have so many diverse qualities which must be brought to the fore.” “We have members of different ages from different regions of Britain and those different experiences are important and very useful.” The branch has more members than ever, 112, and he wants “to keep the flag flying and increase the level of help the branch can give central office.” Toeing the party line, he believes that Conservatives can win the forthcoming election. As a realist, he is convinced Labour's majority will be slashed.