David Cameron has been installed as the bookies' new favourite. A sensational week for the Shadow Education Secretary ends with him establishing himself as the clear second-placed rival to David Davis in conservativehome.com's 'Who's backing who?'. Mr Cameron gets there with endorsements from Alan Duncan, James Gray, Jeremy Hunt, Mark Lancaster and Grant Shapps. That, by the way, is the same Alan Duncan who (only a month ago) had said that David Cameron was "impudent" to think of standing and should step aside for the "big boys".
Dr Fox has also moved forward. He now has 14 declared supporters after Stephen Crabb, Stephen Hammond, Mark Harper and Brooks Newmark had declared for him. Those four extra endorsements will be a little consolation for Dr Fox after William Hague used a Today programme interview to (belatedly) deny rumours that he would be backing him. Mr Hague - who wowed the Conference yesterday - said that he has not yet decided who to support.
If Hague is insisting that he hasn't made his mind up then that surely has to be bad news for Dr Fox. Cameron is obviously getting stronger by the day, which is bad news for Clarke. Davis seems to be lost now that he is considered to be 'just a contender' rather than the 'clear favourite'. Rifkind is not getting any where and should consider the wisdom of letting his name go forward. This contest looks more and more intriguing by the day.
Posted by: James Burdett | 06 October 2005 at 23:28
That, by the way, is the same Alan Duncan who (only a month ago) had said that David Cameron was "impudent" to think of standing and should step aside for the "big boys".
Thank you, Tim! I'd been searching high and low for that quote! Have you got a link for it?
Posted by: James Hellyer | 06 October 2005 at 23:28
Mr Hague - who wowed the Conference yesterday - said that he has not yet decided who to support.
Doesn't mean anything. I wouldn't have expected Hague to declare until we get nearer to the final two.
Posted by: James Hellyer | 06 October 2005 at 23:30
I'll investigate James but I think it was about a month ago in The Sunday Times... This blog needs a search facility!
Posted by: Editor | 06 October 2005 at 23:33
I still think a Cameron / Fox final vote is likely. David is not going to get as many first round votes as he (and everybody else) expects. That will then see a further drop in confidence and votes will drift away.
Posted by: Peter O | 06 October 2005 at 23:41
Rifkind could play a very important role, if he goes out and then supports whichever of Cameron or Clarke does best then it would help the centre of the party keep fox off the final ticket.
Posted by: wasp | 06 October 2005 at 23:45
"That, by the way, is the same Alan Duncan who (only a month ago) had said that David Cameron was "impudent" to think of standing and should step aside for the "big boys"."
Alan Duncan really is a silly little man isn't he? I used to think he was ok and thought he could be used as an example of how the Conservatives are increasingly becoming a broad church but I think the whole course of this leadership contest has shown the only thing he can be used as an example of is a man with exceedingly poor judgement.
Posted by: Daniel Vince-Archer | 06 October 2005 at 23:48
Alan Duncan explains his decision on The Telegraph:
"It's never been Cameron. But today, something has gone click. My own logic leads to him. It's jealousy which has always put me in denial. Younger than me - it's my turn first, surely.
But jealousy is not a worthy quality. Jealousy and self-pity have no useful place in politics. So there we are. Bin jealousy, grow up Duncan. Trust your logic. "
Posted by: | 06 October 2005 at 23:49
Alan Duncan was interviewed about his change of mind yesterday on the radio.He admitted to having been wrong and was quite honest about his earlier lack of judgement and admitted that he was jealous of Cameron.Rather refreshing I thought.
Posted by: malcolm | 07 October 2005 at 09:20
Surely it reflects well on Duncan that he not only said he was wrong, but admitted why he was wrong.
Posted by: Guido Fawkes | 07 October 2005 at 10:10
Typical Alan Duncan, always far too agressive but generally wants to go in the right direction.
It should be pointed out that he has no parliamentary pals to bring with him though.
Posted by: wasp | 07 October 2005 at 11:34