ABSTRACT
The Conservative Party have never employed the elective principle for the distribution of places in their Shadow Cabinet or Leader’s Committee, and it is unlikely that the recent decision to elect by a ballot system, rather than evolve, future Leaders of the Party will in any way alter this arrangement. According to the Conservative Opposition Chief Whip, William Whitelaw, although the decision as to who shall speak in a particular debate is a matter for the Leader, the Shadow Cabinet would probably express views about this, and it is customary anyway for the appropriate Front Bench Spokesman to open and wind-up debates on subjects for which they are responsible. Undoubtedly, the focal point of the Conservative attack was upon the very long and complicated Finance Bill. However, apart from one tactical defeat in Committee, the Government Whips kept a very close watch on the proceedings.
