THE new leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron, was hailed by mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff last night.

He said that the 39-year-old MP for Witney was about to make life a lot more difficult for Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer, returning officer for the leadership election, announced yesterday that Mr Cameron had outpolled rival David Davis by more than two to one.

He added: "It seems rather superfluous to do so, but I now declare David Cameron to be duly elected leader of the Conservative Party."

Mr Cameron, whose campaign came alive with an electrifying speech to the party conference in October, won by 134,446 to 64,398.

Sir Michael has refused to declare his support for any of the candidates, but Mr Luff backed Mr Cameron from early in the summer - long before he emerged as favourite.

Mr Luff was present at the Royal Academy of Arts for Mr Cameron's coronation by Sir Michael. He said: "I always thought David Cameron was the right man to lead the Conservative Party and I'm glad the party has reached the same view.

"He is the man to reinvigorate the Opposition and make things much more difficult for a Government that's looking more jaded and tired with every day that goes by."

HE will change party: PAGE 8