THE future looks bright for Mid Cheshire MP Stephen O'Brien, as his boss Michael Howard looks likely to take over the leadership of the Conservative Party.
Mr O'Brien, 45, a member of the Opposition treasury team, is no doubt hoping for promotion because of his closeness to the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Howard, to whom he answers on a daily basis.
The Member for Eddisbury, which covers Winsford and parts of Northwich, stressed he voted for Iain Duncan Smith to remain as leader - but as soon as it became clear he had lost the contest he threw his weight behind Mr Howard, who served in the Thatcher and Major governments.
Mr O'Brien said: 'I would like to pay tribute to Iain Duncan Smith for the leadership he gave the Conservative Party in presenting a united policy on Europe and for the understanding and development of policies for the future of Britain's essential public services, which are failing so miserably under Labour.
'He has given the party a platform on which to build toward winning the next General Election.
'As a member of Michael Howard's Shadow Treasury team, I'm pleased that the party is rallying in a strong and united way around the candidacy of Michael Howard.'
So far Mr Howard is the only candidate to come forward. Mr O'Brien said even if other players such as David Davis, Michael Portillo or Kenneth Clarke had sought election, he would still have supported his boss.
Mr O'Brien said: 'I have had the privilege of working with him closely over the last 14 months in the Shadow Treasury team as Shadow Paymaster General. I know that he is a man of immense talent.
'He has been a successful minister at the highest level and demonstrated the quality to hold Tony Blair and Gordon Brown to account in a failing Labour Government.' Asked whether he thought he would be in line for promotion if his boss got the top job, Mr O'Brien said: 'I have no idea. I enjoy doing the job I have.'
Mr O'Brien addressed doubts in people's minds about whether the general public would warm to Mr Howard, who has been criticised for coming across as 'frosty'.
He said: 'He is an immense performer in the House of Commons, which is the centre of our national debate. The position of leadership itself will give much greater opportunities for people to get to know the very appealing and warm characteristics of the man.'
Mr O'Brien said he could say with 'certain knowledge' no deals had been done for other potential candidates to step aside on the promise of political pay-back at a future date.
Stephen O'Brien is married to Gemma, a nurse. They have three young children, James, Angus and Clara. He was elected as Conservative MP for Eddisbury at a by-election in July 1999 and appointed Shadow Paymaster General in July 2002.
