Word: macmillan
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...that Eden, like the Suez forces, was planning a "phased withdrawal" from politics. But the lack of an undisputed successor in the true-blue Tory line made this difficult at the moment: the closest rivals were the acting Prime Minister, Richard A. Butler, and Chancellor of the Exchequer Harold Macmillan-Rab Butler's claims to be first in line could not be lightly set aside, but some of the Tories most desirous of a change did not want to change to him, and it was to Butler's interest to keep Eden in office until such time...
Tory backbenchers-both the moderates and the Suez militants-were not satisfied with the government's equivocating position. That night a committee comprising all Tory backbenchers confronted Butler and Macmillan. Under the assault, the two rival leaders stood shoulder to shoulder. Butler spoke first: Britain would work with the U.N.. but it would not withdraw from Port Said until it was satisfied. Then Macmillan rose, gave an impassioned speech. He ran over the tragedies that would ensue if the Tory Party split and the government fell. The U.N. would collapse, he declared; Britain would be isolated from...
...Street. The argument was vigorous. The moderates, led by Lord Privy Seal R. A. Butler, argued hotly that the troops should be withdrawn at once and every effort made to restore Britain's standing with the U.N. The "get-tough" group, headed by Chancellor of the Exchequer Harold Macmillan, insisted that Britain must salvage something from the wreckage (or at least save some face). They urged that Eden use the troops as a bargaining point to force some sort of international control on Nasser...
...Collapse. The meeting ended without a decision. Right after the ministers withdrew, Eden's condition became alarmingly apparent. Sir Horace Evans was summoned, arrived at 9:30 p.m. He immediately declared that a complete rest was vital. Butler and Macmillan were still on hand, and were called in. The three agreed, then and there, that Butler should take over the job of presiding at Cabinet meetings and should reply in the Prime Minister's place in Commons. Otherwise, he and Macmillan were to act jointly. Thus there would be no acting Prime Minister with full powers in Eden...
...moment, neither Butler nor Macmillan was in position to take over leadership in Eden's absence. Butler was distrusted by the militants, Macmillan by the moderates. In this situation, a collective leadership was unquestionably the best the Tories could hope for. It was not yet Butler's time for power, and he knew it. "It has been brought to my attention that a certain degree of modesty in my present position would be wise," he told Commons wryly. "During the Prime Minister's absence. I hope that the House will accept it from me that the only...