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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Portillo Backs Legal Cannabis
Sky News Tuesday 10 Jul 2001 Michael Portillo has backed the legalisation of cannabis, as voting gets underway in the first Tory leadership ballot he is expected to top.The shadow chancellor, front-runner in the race to succeed William Hague, was earlier on the defensive over claims he failed to declare speech fees which went to fund his constituency party. In the latest controversy, he told London's Evening Standard newspaper: "People are clearly debating this question about whether marijuana should be legalised. 'Dangerous' "I think a strong enough case has been made for legalisation on the basis that marijuana is a drug that can be compared with alcohol and tobacco - and on the basis that kids are buying these things, and buying them from people who are involved in a very dangerous drugs trade, simultaneously. "We have to look at this and I would propose that the party sit down, take evidence and reach a conclusion." Another leadership candidate, Michael Ancram, told Sky News Online he backed legalisation of cannabis for medicinal use, while opposing legal recreational use of the drug. Iain Duncan Smith made similar comments, while David Davis merely called for a debate on the issue. Ken Clarke opposes decriminalisation. 'Weakest link' Tory MPs queued at the door of Committee Room 14 in the House of Commons ahead of the start of voting in the first leadership ballot at 1pm. About 30 of the 166 Tory MPs cast their votes in the first 10 minutes, with Tim Loughton first in line. This first vote will eliminate the "weakest link" candidate, leaving four still in the race. Further votes will then be held on Thursday and next Tuesday to whittle the field further until only two are left. This may be fast-tracked if a poor-performing candidate decides to pull-out early. The final two candidates will then be put to a vote of the entire Tory membership. 'Smear' Earlier, Mr Portillo insisted allegations he failed to declare £20,000 from after-dinner speaking were an attempt to "smear" him on the day the contest begins. The Guardian newspaper claimed the shadow chancellor earned the cash by speaking at business dinners when he was employment secretary under John Major in 1995. It was then channelled into his then constituency association at Enfield and Southgate in north London.
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