Homes and Property | Home PageClarke rules himself out of contestCharles Reiss|Political Editor|Evening Standard13 April 2012Kenneth Clarke, Michael Howard's last heavyweight rival for the Tory leadership, ruled himself out of the race today.Mr Clarke held a meeting with the leader-in-waiting to discuss the direction he intends to take the party.Friends of the former Chancellor have said all along that he was "not minded" to stand against Mr Howard.His decision almost certainly means the former Home Secretary will have a clear run for the leadership.MORE ABOUTFriends (TV Show)Friendship