Former Deputy PM Lord Heseltine Reinstated in Conservative Party After Five-Year Suspension

Former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Heseltine has had the Conservative whip restored after a five-year suspension, which began in May 2019 when he publicly endorsed the Liberal Democrats during the European elections. His suspension was part of a broader action taken against 21 MPs who rebelled against the government in September 2019 to prevent a no-deal Brexit. While many of those MPs had their whip restored shortly after, Heseltine's return marks a significant moment in his long political career. At the time of his suspension, a Conservative spokesperson emphasized that endorsing candidates from another party was incompatible with holding the whip. However, they acknowledged Heseltine's extensive service to the party and indicated that his reinstatement would depend on his willingness to support Conservative candidates in future elections. Heseltine, a prominent pro-European figure, had expressed his discontent with the party's Brexit stance, describing it as an act of "economic self-harm." In a Sunday Times article, Heseltine articulated his decision to consider voting for the Liberal Democrats, citing a moral obligation to oppose what he views as a detrimental direction for the country. He has been vocal about his concerns regarding Brexit, labeling it a betrayal of national interests and the younger generation, who he believes are being removed from significant global political engagement. As of now, Lord Heseltine has not publicly commented on his reinstatement or the implications it may have for his future political activities.