Davis gains another senior backer
Tory leadership hopeful David Davis was given a further boost today when he received the backing of another senior Conservative MP.
Conservative deputy party chairman Andrew Mackay described the shadow home secretary as the “ideal candidate” to become the next prime minister.
Mr Mackay said he was particularly impressed by his long-time friend’s response to the London bombings.
It comes a day after another six Tory MPs published a letter of support for the Haltemprice and Howden MP.
Mr Mackay said: “I have known David Davis as a friend and a colleague for nearly 20 years and I am hugely impressed by how he has evolved and developed, always learning from past experiences.
“He is now in his political prime and the ideal candidate to become the next prime minister.
“He is a man of his age, who will reach out to many who have not previously taken an interest in politics, let along in the Conservative party.”
On Monday, MPs including Robert Syms and Richard Bacon described Mr Davis as a “man with the authority, idea and energy to do the job.”
The group also comprised Michael Fallon, Tim Loughton, Mark Simmons and Ian Liddell-Grainger.
The support of Mr Syms could prove significant as he backed Ken Clarke in the 2001 leadership election, when Ian Duncan Smith became leader.
