Don Porter appointed as successor to Chris Chope MP as chairman of Conservative Way Forward

After seven years as honorary chairman of Conservative Way Forward, Chris Chope MP has stepped down and the Thatcherite organisation's Executive Committee has appointed as his successor Don Porter, who recently stood down as chairman of the National Conservative Convention.

The appointment was announced at CWF's summer drinks reception last night at which William Hague (before hotfooting it to Norwich North) thanked Chris Chope for his work over the years and hailed Don Porter's appointment.

Speaking to ConservativeHome, Don Porter said he was "delighted and very honoured" to have been invited to take over from Chris Chope, who he regarded - like the previous two CWF chairmen, Eric Forth and Cecil Parkisnon - as a good friend.

"I'm excited about the prospect of growing the organisation still further, expanding it in terms of membership and activity and influence," he said, explaining that he wanted to build on the existing foundations to make it a more national organisation.

He also expressed a desire to build on the organisation's Thatcherite roots to bring new centre-Right politicians in the party into the CWF fold.

"If anyone has new ideas or wants to get more involved in CWF, then I would be delighted to hear from them via email," he added.

Given Don's extensive experience at all levels within the party, as a loyal Conservative with a capacity to wield considerabe influence behind the scenes, he is an excellent appointment to this role.

He was also one of those featured in our Search for 100 Peers feature earlier in the year.

Jonathan Isaby