Clarke drops out of Tory leadership race
Former chancellor Kenneth Clarke has announced that he will not stand against shadow chancellor Michael Howard as leader of the Conservative Party.
As Mr Howard launches his campaign to lead the party into the next election in earnest today, Mr Clarke has revealed that he will not challenge him for the post.
Earlier Mr Clarke said he was “reserving the option” of standing against Mr Howard.
The outspoken MP lost his bid for leadership to Iain Duncan Smith in September 2001.
Most of those tipped to throw their hats into the ring after Mr Duncan Smith lost a confidence vote on Wednesday have now publicly voiced their support for Mr Howard.
Shadow home affairs minister Oliver Letwin, Tory health spokesman Dr Liam Fox, former defence secretary Michael Portillo, shadow deputy prime minister David Davis, shadow trade secretary Tim Yeo and shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram have all declared their support for the former home secretary’s leadership bid.
Those close to former Cabinet minister John Redwood said he will not put himself forward and party chairman Theresa May has ruled herself out, according to her office, stating that she wishes to remain neutral.
Mr Clarke was seen as one of the most likely candidates to oppose Mr Howard as he represents the conservative left, while Mr Howard is to the right of the party.
However, with the last of the Conservative “big hitters” ruling himself out of the running, the stage now seems set for Mr Howard’s coronation.
Announcing his candidacy at a press conference yesterday, Mr Howard said he wanted to lead the party from the centre and unite the Tories after years of infighting.
Nominations for the election close on November 6th and MPs will vote on November 11th.
Many in the Conservative Party are keen to avoid a contest and would welcome Mr Howard’s appointment unchallenged. The party is currently embroiled in its fourth leadership contest in eight years.
