Howard's authority 'ebbs away'

Michael Howard faced open revolt today as a former shadow cabinet member said his authority was "ebbing away".

The Tory leader was pitched into a battle with MPs and many party members over his attempt to impose a sweeping package of reforms - including new leadership rules - before he retires.

Damian Green - sacked as shadow transport minister by Mr Howard - today called for the leadership contest to be held as soon as possible.

In an attack on Mr Howard's attempt to stay on to steer his changes, Mr Green told BBC radio: "Once he has said he is going to retire then authority starts ebbing away - and that's just life. And it's started happening and we need to get on with it."

His broadside came after the Tory leader suffered a mauling at the hands of backbenchers at a private meeting last night where he unveiled details of his reform package.

He was publishing the full package this afternoon, including new leadership election rules restoring the right of MPs to have the final say on the choice of his successor.

Other elements that have enraged MPs include a " draconian contract" that gives the leadership new powers to sack candidates on any of 15 grounds, such as embarrassing the party in the media.

In addition, local party branches will be merged into bigger "fighting forces", losing their independence.