Goldsmith's movement is now led by Lord McAlpine

Goldsmith Succeeded by McAlpine

Lord McAlpine is to succeed

The announcement follows Sir James's death from cancer on Friday night, while on holiday in Spain. Sir James founded the Referendum Party - which polled 800,000 votes but won no seats at the election - in order to press for a national referendum on European integration. After the election, the party became the Referendum Movement.

Lord McAlpine caused a major stir when he defected from the Tory Party to the Referendum Party last year. Previously, he had been both Treasurer and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party.

A spokesman for the movement said: "He will be calling a meeting of leading figures within the next week or two to decide on the next steps."

Since the election, a new constitution for the movement has been prepared, but not circulated to members.

Shortly after his appointment was confirmed, Lord McAlpine said: "This has to go on to be a movement lobbying for a full referendum. The other parties' offered referendums are too specific, about the single currency for instance. They don't address the whole issue of whether you go further in or stay where you are. This issue has to be addressed sooner or later."

Lord McAlpine is close to Lady Thatcher in his political views. He is also regarded as the most successful fundraiser the Tories ever had, bringing millions of pounds into the party's coffers during his time as Treasurer.