Davis could launch leadership ‘within days’
The race for the Tory leadership is gathering pace as the frontrunner for the top job prepares to launch his official campaign this week.
The Conservative home affairs spokesman is due to set out his stall formally on the eve of the Conservative party conference in Blackpool, according to his supporters.
Mr Davis is currently the bookies’ favourite to succeed Michael Howard.
Last week Mr Davis set out a vision of a “new Tory idealism” that would see right-wing methods used to create a better society for everyone.
In a speech to the think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research, Mr Davis said social justice could become a Conservative issue, and the party should show how its principles would help those “at the bottom of the pile” and not just the wealthy few.
Former chancellor Ken Clarke says it is now a two-horse race between him and right-winger Mr Davis
Mr Clarke’s quest to make it third time lucky suffered a major blow last week after David Willetts pulled out of the race and backed Mr Davis for the job.
Pundits suggest the Clarke campaign could receive a boost this week with the endorsement of leadership contender Sir Malcolm Rifkind.
It is expected the former foreign secretary will pull out of the race and offer his support to Mr Clarke’s bid for the leadership.
