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16/09/2005
Willetts announces support for Davis
Shadow trade and industry secretary David Willetts has announced his intention to support David Davis’ bid for the Conservative party leadership, ruling himself out of the contest.
In a statement released on Thursday evening, Mr Willetts expressed his support for the Shadow Home Secretary, who is the current favourite to succeed Michael Howard as party leader when he steps down later this year.
Mr Willetts said that Mr Davis had the support of several senior Conservative party members and had the “credibility” to unite the Conservative Party once the leadership contest is over. He said: “He recognises the scale of the task ahead of us and he has the energy and the determination to lead us to victory.
“As we have seen in recent months, he has the empathy, understanding and gravitas to address the challenges facing Britain and the wider world.”
David Davis, initially tipped as the frontrunner in the leadership contest, is expected to face the biggest challenge from former Chancellor Kenneth Clarke. According to recent polls, Mr Clarke is the most popular choice to become Tory leader with ordinary voters.
Liam Fox, Sir Malcolm Rifkind and David Cameron are also in contention for the leadership.
(KMcA/SP)
In a statement released on Thursday evening, Mr Willetts expressed his support for the Shadow Home Secretary, who is the current favourite to succeed Michael Howard as party leader when he steps down later this year.
Mr Willetts said that Mr Davis had the support of several senior Conservative party members and had the “credibility” to unite the Conservative Party once the leadership contest is over. He said: “He recognises the scale of the task ahead of us and he has the energy and the determination to lead us to victory.
“As we have seen in recent months, he has the empathy, understanding and gravitas to address the challenges facing Britain and the wider world.”
David Davis, initially tipped as the frontrunner in the leadership contest, is expected to face the biggest challenge from former Chancellor Kenneth Clarke. According to recent polls, Mr Clarke is the most popular choice to become Tory leader with ordinary voters.
Liam Fox, Sir Malcolm Rifkind and David Cameron are also in contention for the leadership.
(KMcA/SP)
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