Ex-E&Y partner to replace Boris Johnson

Former Ernst & Young partner John Howell has been selected as the Tory
candidate for the Henley by-election, prompted by the election of Boris Johnson
as London Mayor.

Howell was chosen from a shortlist of three and is likely to become the
Henley MP at the next by-election, scheduled to take place late this month or
early July, the
Guardian
reported. Henley is a safe Conservative seat, with Johnson’s majority in 2005
standing at 12,793.

A party spokesman said: ‘A successful businessman, he is leading the way in
ensuring the county council is run more efficiently and in opposing the
bulldozing of the green belt.’

Johnson is stepping down as MP to concentrate on his role as Mayor of London.

Howell said: ‘I plan to spend the next few weeks talking to as many local
people as possible about the issues that affect us all in South Oxfordshire’.

A cabinet member on Oxfordshire County Council, Howell was awarded an OBE in
2000.

Further reading:

Read
the Guardian story: Tories select local councillor to fight Boris Johnson’s
Henley seat

Former
E&Y partner charged with insider trading

Friends
of the Earth throws down green gauntlet to Boris

Theyworkforyou.com:
Boris Johnson