Newspapers set up Davis versus Cameron contest

Trevor Kavanagh, in this morning's Sun, writes:

"The runners and riders for the Tory leadership now boil down to Two Davids – and no Goliaths. A dozen hats have been flung into the ring but only two men have a chance of actually wearing the crown - David Davis and David Cameron."

That, rightly or wrongly, is the emerging consensus on 'Fleet Street'.

Last night's Evening Standard printed a double page spread, headlined: 'Davids go head to head' and described the Tory leadership contest as a "two-horse race".

The newspaper also printed brief endorsements of the two men from top Tory donors. Lord Harris, carpet magnate, wrote in favour of David Cameron and Lord Kalms, President of Dixons, endorsed David Davis.

Lord Harris wrote:

"I [find] David [Cameron] refreshing and impressive. Not just because he's energetic and intelligent; not just because he obviously understands the central tenets of Conservatism such as low taxes and a smaller state. But because he's passionate about the other things that matter to people, like a sense of community... I'd like to see the party choose a leader who can be the champion for a dynamic economy but also the champion for a decent society. I know David is young but he has loads of energy and he's not a face from the past."

Lord Kalms wrote:

"Earlier this week, at a dinner I hosted, David [Davis] spoke of reconnecting the party with the hopes of the British people. He showed he understands the importance of the Conservative belief in freedom and the way it is best achieved through a smaller state with lower taxes. He demonstrated, too, that it's essential to marry that belief with a commitment to social justice. The most striking thing, though, was the way he listened to the views of everyone at the table. A good leader is like a good businessman: clear about where they want to go but open to advice."

Given the deteriorating Tory finances both Lords Harris and Kalms will be hoping that the right leader is in place soon.

Comments

[Simon C]

Well if that's what we're reading in the papers it must be right then!

More seriously, as per other postings on this blog, it's too early to call yet.

[Simon C]

Unsurprisingly, at least one of the two Davids - Cameron in this case - is trying to encourage this. The Independent today reports that his supporters are urging other potental contenders to throw the towel in and join his camp.

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article295755.ece

Is this early confidence - or over-hasty and possibly a little panicky?

[James Hellyer]

It's not surprising that David Cameron has suggested the other Not David Davis candidates give up the game; after all, it's his campaign that's most undermined by their diffusion of the NDD vote.

I think it's fairly presumptuous to claim the race is between the two Davids. In a drawn out campaign, Davis could still be undone. After all he's only really in the lead because he's been campaigning so long. Mistakes on his part, his supporters' machinations, or the emergence of other credible candidates could still deny him the top post.

Meanwhile Cameron could fail to generate sufficient support if the other NDD candidates consider their own bids as serious ones.

[D&D]

I hope one of the Davis's win but I feel that a) Michael Howard should hae made clear he is steppind down some time towards the end of July/ August, rather than this ridiculously drawn out campaign and b)the press jump off the bandwagon about the leadership, they have an awfully long wait.

I wonder if the forced resignation of Mr. Howard by a no confidence vote would be useful, I believe it would spark some action and maybe galvanise the Party as well as getting Media attention when it si needed, not 3 or 4 months in advance.

[James Hellyer]

"I wonder if the forced resignation of Mr. Howard by a no confidence vote would be useful."

There's a post about that in the strategy blog...

[Edward]

Definately not the last thing we need is public infighting.

Would just generate more negative headlines.