Britain’s Conservatives elect new leader to challenge Blair
London – David Cameron, whose boyish good looks and media savvy remind many of the youthful Tony Blair, was chosen leader of the Conservative Party on Tuesday, bringing new optimism to a party plagued by three straight election losses.
Cameron, 39, derided the prime minister and his government as “yesterday’s men” and pledged to sweep them aside.
“We have a vast mountain to climb,” he said, joined by his wife, Samantha, who is pregnant with their third child. “But if we are united, if we have a clear view about what needs to change … we can be a constructive opposition and we can be that good government that this country clearly needs.”
His rival, David Davis, trounced in the ballot of party members, conceded defeat and hailed Cameron as a prime minister in waiting.
After the Conservatives’ crushing election defeats, Cameron faces the challenge of leading the party back from the political wilderness.
Choosing Cameron is a risky move. The son of a stockbroker, he attended the elite private school Eton and is a graduate of Oxford University – a background he acknowledges is “hideously privileged.”
NASHVILLE. Tenn.
Highway Patrol chief quits amid allegations
The commander of the Tennessee Highway Patrol was forced to resign Tuesday amid allegations of political favoritism and departmental corruption, including an attempt by the officer to buy a fishing boat that had been seized by troopers.
Col. Lynn Pitts, a 31-year veteran of the patrol, violated state law by trying to buy the boat, which had been put up for sale as surplus state property.
Pitts, commander for nearly three years, went on a state website last week and bought a 17-foot aluminum fishing boat with a 40-horsepower engine for $1,700 in a transaction that was later halted by the General Services Department, which handled the auction.
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla.
Marine jet crashes; pilot OK after rescue
A Marine fighter jet crashed Tuesday morning off St. Augustine, and the pilot was pulled from the sea about four hours later in good condition.
The Marine AV-8B Harrier crashed about 20 miles off the coast, said a Coast Guard spokesman.
Coast Guard rescuers located a fuel slick from the single-seat aircraft and used it in their search. The pilot had been seen by another pilot parachuting to the sea after ejecting.
The plane was based at Cherry Point, N.C.
DETROIT
Dog mauls owner, 91, then is killed by cops
A dog described as very protective of its elderly owner mauled the 91-year-old woman to death and then was shot and killed after it charged at officers.
Mary Stiles was found dead Monday afternoon in the kitchen of her brick bungalow.
After the attack, a neighbor shot at the 90-pound dog outside the home when it appeared ready to attack some children. When police arrived, the animal – a mix between a pit bull and an American bulldog – charged them and was killed.
BAKU, Azerbaijan
Top opposition bloc to boycott parliament
Azerbaijan’s main opposition bloc said Tuesday that it will boycott the new parliament elected in disputed polls last month.
The Azadliq bloc won six seats in the 125-member assembly and has alleged widespread fraud.
The ruling party kept a majority with the support of independent lawmakers. Two seats are held by other opposition legislators.
