Conservative conference: Cameron gives Duncan Smith role to 'mend broken society'
Ravi Chandiramani
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Iain Duncan Smith will be given responsibility in a Conservative government for "bringing together all our work to help mend the broken society," Tory leader David Cameron has said.
Cameron's speech to the party conference did not provide details of what would be the precise remit of Duncan Smith, who is a former party leader and heads the Centre for Social Justice think tank.
Cameron referenced Michael Gove, the shadow secretary of state for children, schools and families, only in relation to the challenge of reforming state education.
The speech will heighten expectation that Gove might head a standalone education department in government.
Cameron reiterated the Conservatives' commitment to retain Sure Start, recruit more health visitors and reward commitment between couples "by recognising marriage and civil partnerships in the tax system and abolishing the couple penalty in the benefits system".
