Bohuslav Sobotka remains as Social Democrat vice-chairman

At the same conference, former finance minister Bohuslav Sobotka will remain as vice-chairman of the Social Democrats after being re-elected at the party's conference in Brno. Unofficial reports say he received 84% support from the delegates, a much better showing than party leader Jiri Paroubek. Like Mr Paroubek, he was the only candidate for his post. He told Social Democrat members afterwards that he would have more time to devote to his party duties now that he wasn't a government minister. He also said he would never shy away from giving truthful opinions to Mr Paroubek.