TORIES IGNITE DRUG DEBATE

Michael Portillo's agenda for modernising the Conservative party was
challenged by rivals last night after a second supporter from the
libertarian right backed calls for the legalisation of cannabis.

Alan Duncan, MP for Rutland and Melton, joined the former deputy party
leader Peter Lilley to condemn the 30-year-old ban on the drug.

As Mr Lilley's call for the legalisation and regulation of the sale of
cannabis was attacked by other senior Tories, evidence surfaced of wider
disquiet about the shape of party policy under a Portillo leadership.

It was claimed that influential Portillo backers, including Mr Duncan, are
privately predicting that his "modernising plans" include the legalisation
of same sex marriages and all-women shortlists for parliamentary seats.

Ann Widdecombe, the shadow home secretary, said it would be very dangerous
to legalise cannabis. She was backed by Tory leadership challengers Kenneth
Clarke, a former home secretary, and Iain Duncan Smith.