Clarke to bid for leadership to stop Davis

Kenneth Clarke is set to launch one last bid for the Conservative party leadership in an attempt to stop David Davis getting the top job. The former chancellor, 64, will "dip a foot rather than a toe in the water" this weekend to gauge the support of fellow Tory MPs.

According to Mr Clarke's allies, he will use an interview on ITV's Jonathan Dimbleby programme to make clear he is still keen to become leader as long as enough backbenchers give their backing.

His move is believed by MPs to have been triggered by the strong hint from shadow education secretary David Cameron yesterday that he will stand for leader.

Mr Cameron, 38, is gathering support as the "moderniser" candidate having rebuffed attempts by the Clarke camp to run as a deputy to the former minister.

But Mr Clarke's supporters believe his experience of high office and record as a strong Commons performer makes him a much better choice to stand up against Tony Blair or Gordon Brown.