Leadership History of the Moderate Party

Toby Degotardi
Prior to his election to Parliament in 3484, Toby Degotardi was a political adviser to Jeremy Purves MP from 3470-3482. Degotardi had been a member of the Rutanian Liberty Party and was often touted as a future Minister for Foreign Affairs. In 3488, he was passed over for the position and had the party's whip withdrawn in 3491. A year later, he was reelected to Parliament as an independent. Just months after the election, 21 other parliamentarians joined Degotardi and formed the United Alternative movement. The movement grew and dozens of other politicians were joining. He had planned to contest the 3496 elections as a member of the United Alternative but was forced to run for his seat as an independent again as a result of controversial election laws. Shortly after the State Opening of Parliament, the Rutanian Electoral Commission officially recognized the movement, which was now known as the New Right. Not surprisingly, Degotardi was selected by his parliamentary colleagues to serve as the first official leader of the party. In 3500, Degotardi saw the party win only 32 seats, a massive decrease from the previous Parliament. He also contested the presidential election and faired poorly. In the days following the elections, many speculated that Degotardi would stay on as leader but he was soon challenged by a new MP, Alex Drake-Brockman. In the days leading up to the election, various news outlets suggested that the vote between Degotardi and Drake-Brockman would be close. However, hours before the vote, Degotardi withdrew his name from consideration after his deputy, Alexander Tribolet announced his intention to support Drake-Brockman. Drake-Brockman was elected unopposed and Degotardi was named Finance spokesman.

Alex Drake-Brockman
A popular journalist, Alex Drake-Brockman had long considered a career in politics. He joined the upstart New Right in 3498 after previously serving as an adviser to Noah Hazen MP for three years and soon became the party's press secretary. He surprised many by standing for Parliament in 3500. Shortly after the 3500 elections, Drake-Brockman was approached by party activists and was urged to stand for the leadership against Toby Degotardi. While he was initially hesitant, he opted to run and Degotardi bowed out of the race after Alexander Tribolet, the deputy leader, announced his support for Drake-Brockman. In return, Tribolet was allowed to continue in his role. In Parliament, Drake-Brockman faired well during Question Time. He was criticized for his totalitarian leadership style after he controversially fired his Environment spokesman, Clowy Nisbet, in October 3503.