Who do you think will be best to lead the Conservative Party? This is the second page of your comments.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
I think that Liam Fox should be elected new Tory leader. He has the charm, charisma and leadership talent that the Tories need for their hopeful comeback to government. Davis is just boring and Clarke is too Euro-friendly for the Tories.
Chris Birks, Chesterfield, UK
The government must be rubbing their hands together as we only hear of the Clarke/Davis battle. Cameron is the one they are worried about. If Portillo had been selected, the Tories would not be in opposition.
S, Kent
David Davies is making the right noises - wanting the key test of Tory policy to be its effect on the most vulnerable in our society. But can he convince the electorate that he is not just about taking from the poor and giving to the rich?
Tim Watkins, Cardiff
I recently met both David Cameron and Liam Fox. I am also a Conservative party member. I have to say I was impressed with Liam Fox and his years of experience show. However I would go for David Cameron. He does not carry any of the 1990s baggage, has the right ideas and would still get the benefit of being able to put together a hugely experienced team, without the splits of yester-year.
Bill Melotti, Wantage
 |  David Cameron has hit the nail on the head with his speech |
David Cameron has hit the nail on the head with his speech. Conservative people are not feeling good about being Conservative anymore, many choosing to vote Lib Dem as a safe vote as result of this. This attitude needs to change, and David seems the man to lead this change. Although many argue he will be too young, but maybe we need someone who is in 'with the times' and can talk to his people and make them believe again.
Paige, UK The only one who could possibly win a general election is Ken Clarke but thankfully for the Labour Party they will choose another right winger in Davis and off they will veer into the oblivion of the right. They say that they are listening but plainly they are not.
Derek, Edinburgh
David Cameron with George Osborne as his deputy. Skipping a generation is the only way to convince enough voters to support Conservative values.
Robin Montague-Milnes, Bakewell, Derbyshire
Malcolm Rifkind, with Liam Fox as deputy.
Susan Bull, Edinburgh
The Tory Party need to move away from grey men. We need a leader who can convey conviction with passion and a young man. New Labour ran with youth in Blair and Brown and the Tories should grasp the nettle and run with Cameron and Osborne.
Adrian Broughanm, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
David Cameron is the only hope the Tories have of getting back in power. All the others are either too out of touch or "old guard" which is a shame for Ken Clarke as he would have been a good choice four years ago. If the Tories pick anyone else (which I sadly believe they will) they can spend another eight years in opposition. This is crunch time.
Nicholas J Dear, London, GB
Having seen the list of candidates, Ken Clarke is the only candidate who can challenge Labour on all fronts. IDS and Hague never came across a leader and public could never connect with Howard either. Davis would have same fate as Hague. Cameron and Rifkind would certainly do very well under Clarke and Cameron may take over after Clarke retires.
Om Choudhary, Letchworth, UK The Conservative Party has a simple choice to make, as did Labour in the 1980s: if you want to be in power then you have to adapt to the changing world. If you do not adapt then you will continue to be a political irrelevance. It's simply evolution in action.
Leslie Mustoe, Loughborough, England
None of these eight. They truly just haven't got what it takes: to be leader, to be Prime Minister. None of them. The answer is clear: We need Michael Portillo as Conservative Leader, Boris Johnson as Deputy.
Patricia, Henley, UK
Liam Fox is the only man with the integrity and decency to lead Britain's most successful political party. He not only has the guts to address issues like mental health which are an afterthought to others, he has the guts to talk about issues of personal morality like abortion. He is a champion of the family and a radical reformer as far as public services are concerned. He also has the necessary experience of office without being tarnished by the failures of the Major years. He also spoke a lot of sense about Europe today, saying that membership of the EU may be at too high a price.
Richard , Hertford, England
As a former Conservative voter I hope that Ken Clarke will finally be given the opportunity to square up to an entrenched Labour Government who has got away with far too much thanks to an inept opposition. To date the only serious opposition has been in certain quarters in the press. Only Ken appeals to a greater proportion of voters. Hold back your Tory Boy modernises for when this country has woken up to the fact that we do have a serious opposition party. New Labour quite rightly has a lot to fear from the experience and appeal of Ken.
Paul, Tunbridge Wells
I hope anyone other than Ken Clarke wins as he does not represent the views of the majority of the Conservative Party or indeed the UK population as a whole. I wish we could pull out of the EU completely as it is such a wasteful gravy train. I for one am sick of it and the sooner we tear up our so called membership of the E.U. and join with our natural allies the Americans the better.
David Thomson, Gosport; England Someone with gravitas, a proven track record at the highest levels and popular appeal is what they need. Only two - Ken Clarke and Malcolm Rifkind meet the both the first and the second, and clearly only Ken meets all three criteria. The Tories would be mad to go for anyone else out of the available pool of candidates. He'll have Gordon Brown for breakfast.
Tom Day, Haslemere, Surrey
Surely the question should be: Who does Brown and Labour not want as Conservative party leader?
Steve, Washington, Tyne and Wear
I hope they choose yet another no-hoper who's completely out of touch with modern Britain. Then we don't have to worry about the horrors of another Tory government for a few more years.
Richard, Milton Keynes, UK
I've always had a soft spot for "Hush Puppy" Ken Clarke and as he's a keen cricket supporter, what else do you need.
John, Stockholm, Sweden
Alas, for the Conservatives, the only man who has the heavyweight experience, personality and ideas - and who could lead them to victory, because people like me would vote for him at the next election, is not even an MP. His name? Chris Patten.
Len Day, Cardiff, South Wales.
| Ken Clarke is the only palatable figure amongst a buffet of 1970s party food |
Ken Clarke is the only palatable figure amongst a decomposing buffet of 1970s party food. More than a new chef required here. They are a very weak opposition and will only become more so following this debacle. They don't even know what they stand for.
Anon, UK Not Ken Clarke. His loyalty to the party has always been in serious doubt. A vote for Ken Clarke will be just that a vote for him, not a leader of a party. Just like Tony Blair. If the Conservatives go down the same road as Labour then democracy is dead in the UK and very few people will vote at the next election. The parties will all have the same ideals. Why vote when there is nothing to choose from? br />John Butt, Canvey Island, Essex England
I wish Ken Clarke had got the leadership instead of Hague, Conservatives were never going to win the following election and needed a steady, popular, experienced hand. Hague's the best leader but came too early. Now I think David Cameron and a dynamic team could turn the corner for the Tories.
Iain McGuigan, Liverpool, UK
| Ken is popular with a lot of voters who are not that interested in politics! |
Ken Clarke is the obvious choice for Conservative leader. I say this as a longstanding Labour party member! Ken is the equivalent of Denis Healey; probably the best Labour prime minister we never had. Unlike the other candidates, Ken is actually popular with a lot of voters who are not that interested in politics!
Alex Heslop, London This is a no-brainer! Ken Clarke is by far and away the best guy to lead the Tories back into government. As a Lib Dem voter who knows they have a long hill to climb to get into power, it is only Ken Clarke who will get my vote.
Chris, Brentwood, Essex
Theresa May!!! At least her shoes would brighten the place up.
Roy Gilbert, Solihull England
The Tories have a clear choice: Vote for Ken Clarke with a real chance of winning the next general election or vote for someone else and have no chance. The reason? It matters not a jot what the party members want, it is what the voting public recognise. I suggest the majority of the public haven't heard of any of the other contenders.
Ben Lamborne, Egham UK
| I only recognise one of them |
When I heard the names of the MPs in the running for the next leader of the Conservative party I only recognised one of them. Now I have seen their pictures I still only recognise one of them.
Kerry, WalesFrom this forum, it obviously should be Ken Clarke or David Cameron. The party should note this vibe but they won't, will they? Those quaint and fusty associations around the country... the white-haired, basically decent but alarmingly out-of-touch worthies whom we'll see on TV this coming week, will endorse another no-hoper. Compare the hall in Brighton last week - young, alive, dynamic and aware - with the one in Blackpool and you'll understand why the country has been choosing Labour. I wish the Tories would modernise - for the sake of a healthy, truly dynamic democracy.
John Bligh, London, UK
I am a natural conservative who has never voted Tory - the party is too right wing for my taste. I have always voted Lib Dem because they have a moderate tone. However, I heard Mr Rifkind on Radio 4 and what a breath of fresh air. If he were elected leader I would not only vote Tory, I would probably join the party! Let's hope the Tories can avoid shooting themselves in the foot this time and vote in a non extremist who actually has some relevance to the country.
Michael Pye, Eastbourne, East Sussex
| Rifkind takes to the stand to talk about low taxes and defence: quelle surprise |
When was the last time a Tory stood up and announced a radical policy to ease inner city racial tensions? Or a way to make business accountable to the environment? Or a policy that eases the pressure on single mothers, or that provides equality for gay men and women? Not until the Tory party starts to talk the language of the people it intends to represent will it be taken seriously. Today Rifkind takes to the stand to talk about low taxes and defence: quelle surprise that a Tory should focus on those two issues.
George Stothard, London, UK I suggest Mark Thatcher assisted by Jeffery Archer!
Frank Murray, Bristol UK
I am a Labour voter. I would vote Tory if the sensible Ken Clarke leads them. It is a cigar-smoking politician who won WW2 for Britain!
Ali Khan, British voter in Doha, Qatar
Mr Clarke certainly seems to fit the 'nearly grown up boys' image that has served Mr Blair and Mr Brown so well, but as he seems to be divided in his own conservatism - "I'm right wing but like Europe" - how can he really consolidate the Tories into a lastingly re-united political force?
J Baker, London
I met Liam Fox heard him speaking live from 15 feet away. The speech was as passionate, intuitive, inspiring and relevant as anything I have ever heard. it was like meeting President Bartlett from The West Wing for real and clearly the best real speech I have heard since Margaret Thatcher at her peak. I know he is very good with people, listens well and an ardent advocate for his constituents. Dr Fox is the real genuine thing.
Jeremy Blatchford, North Somerset.
As Labour has now become so far right maybe as Gordon Brown takes over Blair should step sideways and lead the Conservatives!
Piers Catton, Gosport
My ideal scenario would be for Ken Clarke and David Cameron to join forces with the prospect that the latter would take over the leadership in due course, hopefully as prime minister.
Michael Newbold, Shoreham-by-Sea, UK The consensus seems to be that the Tories need a change; Davis has somehow managed to persuade the Tory flock that he isn't the staid, right wing, capital punishment-supporting Chief Whip of the mid 90s. However in truth, only Clarke or Cameron could take the party forward - 'change to win'. To my mind Clarke is too old and his heir apparent is Cameron. Ironic, though, that Portillo would have won hands down if he were still an MP.
Tom, Poole, Dorset
I am a Tory member who voted for Clarke in 2001. However, we now need a fresh face who can be a potential prime minister. I believe David Davis is that man, while David Cameron, given a bit more experience, would make an excellent successor to him.
Simon Baker, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
Vote for Edward Leigh, it's time this country and the Tories got back in touch with a sense of morality and tradition.
Tom, Bristol
Kenneth Clarke with Liam Fox as deputy.
Robert Murray, Brinsley, England
Liam Fox should be the next leader. If I bother to listen to the others, whatever is said is instantly forgettable. I am bored with seeing David Davis and rarely see the others.
J Hazlehurst, Littlehampton I am so pleased that David Davis has finally announced that he is standing for leader. I had been waiting for four months and now it has happened. I hope that if he did become leader he would bring more power back to Britain from Europe and gain a good number of seats from the North, Wales and Scotland. As a 14-year-old Conservative I will confirm my confidence in Davis on voting day. I think that Cameron will come in second.
Phil Mutton, Kenton, Suffolk
Seems to me like David Cameron is the future, Kenneth Clarke the present and David Davis the past. I do not criticise the party for not being ready for the future, though you would think they had sufficient pain of defeat to propel them forward. What amazes me is that they think they can get away with being seen to be living in the past.
Karl Jones, London
If the election was in 2006, then Ken Clarke. The party however must election someone whose ultimate test is against Labour in four years time, with a broad appeal and charisma. Tomorrow's man is David Cameron.
Kevin, Horsham
| Ken Clarke would of been my choice five years ago |
Ken Clarke would of been my choice five years ago, but he is just too old plus I fear Labour would play on his links to the tobacco industry. Given that the Tories have lost several elections, I think a fresh face is required - Cameron is the only man who fits the bill, he has a few years to gain experience before Brown calls an election.
Tim J, Oxford, UK I vote for parties as much for the direction I believe they WILL follow/the ability of their leaders to inspire, as for the policies they embrace at election time. I am a wavering Labour voter at the moment. Ken Clarke is the only Tory (Cameron perhaps in the future) who I would instinctively wish to listen and give thought space to. The other Parties would be in serious danger from this guys charisma and Centre ground beliefs.
Caroline Reeves, Wiltshire,UK
I think that the Tories need to freshen up and someone like David Cameron can do that. He is a young fresh face and can help blow away the cobwebs in the party.
Chris, Woking
Believe you me, I have never seen so many no-hopers fighting for party leadership of a party. A vast majority of people would not know who is who and what? The only candidate recognizable is Kenneth Clarke but his record when in office is not impressive, but still, he carries shoulders of old wisdom to win few votes.
S Khan, UK
This is serious problem. I'm a Labour supporter but I recognise the need for a strong opposition to keep the government on its toes. The current Tory party seems to be content only to be a backward looking pressure group without the discipline to cast itself as a government in waiting.
Dinesh Fernando, Rugby, UK I listened to three candidates yesterday on Radio 4, and the only one that came across as genuine and not a fake was David Cameron. Despite his age he was articulate, direct and most importantly honest. Until I had heard him speak I would have voted for Big Ken, I am not sure now. I liked what I heard.
Robert, Attleborough
After two unsuccessful leadership campaigns when will the Tories ever learn that the only man with the charisma and political talent and clout to lead them to No 10 is Ken Clarke, and I have voted Labour for the last two elections.
James, Salisbury Wiltshire
Malcolm Rifkind is the most trusted and sincere candidate of them all.
Neil Boddie, Livingston, Scotland
As a Tory supporter I think that although David Davis has the best policies, Ken Clarke is the one to put the Tories back in power. In normal circumstances I would therefore go for David Davis, but in this race purity of policy takes second place to votability unless we are to be subjected to five years of Gordon Brown. It is therefore necessary to have Ken Clarke for the next election but once he wins he should leave Davis to get the country back on its feet after twelve or thirteen years of Labour government.
Neil, Skye, Scotland, UK
Please, please, please, wake up Tory Members...vote for the only person who can help us win. It's the real world's votes that matter in a General Election...Vote for Clarke. Ken Clarke is the only person who gives us a fighting chance. From a young, Asian Tory Member and volunteer
Sabeeha Mannan, Gerrards Cross,Bucks
It is an oversimplification to suggest that Ken Clarke would make the Tories electable again. After all, he would still be backed up by a bunch of archaic elitists who are the reason that the Tory Party is currently in such a dismal position. In short, it doesn't matter who leads the Tories - they will still be the same party-of-the-rich-and-powerful we know and don't vote for.
Andy, Droitwich, UK
| The longer they keep their heads firmly buried in the sand, the longer they will remain an opposition party |
As a non-Tory voter, I find it amazing that people within the Tory party don't seem to understand what the average person wants from the Tory party. The longer they keep their heads firmly buried in the sand, the longer they will remain an opposition party. Ken Clarke maybe older than the other candidates, but he appeals to the people who vote. Remember them?
Dave, Lowestoft, UK Sir Malcolm Rifkind is the only contender who can hold his own in Parliament, and can appeal to the electorate. Throughout the Tory election campaign he showed himself to be a down to earth, yet also charismatic leader. I hope the Conservatives do not vote in another 'grey blur' of a man, the party needs a leader who can win votes and is a great parliamentarian.
Ross, London
Without a shadow of a doubt the only man capable of making the Tories electable is David Cameron, the man appears to have vision, direction and youth - he's not tarnished by the Tories of yesterday as in Ken's case. David Davis is far too right wing. Only with Cameron at the helm and a strong front bench team that uses the likes of Hague can the Tories become elected.
Ben Young, Telford, UK
I'm a natural conservative. I like small government, streamlined legislation, low tax, and a self-sufficient society that recognises the rights of the individual. Sadly, none of the Tory candidates really embody those principles. They are the guardians of privilege, nothing more. As a result, they are actually an obstruction to the development of a real liberal agenda - they're poisoning the well for genuine, middle-class conservatism.
Mike, London, UK
| Bring back Hague, the only decent leader they have had since Maggie |
To be honest, who cares? Labour went through this years ago. I can't see them getting back in to power for years. Bring back Hague, the only decent leader they have had since Maggie.
Bert, Wandsworth, London Had Ken Clarke been selected last time instead of Michael Howard, or indeed William Hague before him, we would now have a Conservative government. However evidently the Conservatives quite like being the party of opposition so they'll choose another no-hoper.
Haroon Abbasi, England
Michael Howard is the only logical choice. He should announce that following the inane in-fighting in his party he is remaining till sense prevails.
Andrew Turquet, Raunds, England
To be honest, it makes little difference; the Tories will still be unelectable. David Davis is my local MP and the only time we ever see him is at election time. Looks like were in for quite a few more years of New Labour misery.
Pete, Howden, UK
It has got to be David Cameron. He is bright, fresh and moderate and would make the party look like it's ready to deal with the problems of this century not the last.
Jack Stone, Southend
| As a young voter and politics student, I am a strong supporter of Kenneth Clarke |
As a young voter and politics student, I am a strong supporter of Kenneth Clarke for leader. He understands people and politics and balances the two whilst at the same time maintaining a sense of humour and not an odious and vacuous grin like Blair. And, to those who are critical of Clarke due to his age, may I remind them Western history holds many examples of people taking high office later in their lives. When Reagan left the White House he was 78, and US Senator Strom Thurmond retired at 100 years of age.
Will, Britain Ken Clarke because he will trounce Gordon Brown at the next election. An absolute no-brainer and I can scarcely believe that the Tories are even considering anyone else.
Jim, London, UK
As someone who doesn't belong to any party, I think that Liam Fox comes across as a man of real integrity and a vision to lead. If he was leader this floating voter would vote Conservative.
Gupta Singh-Marwa, London
I was listening to an interview with Norman Tebbit recently, he seems to have more charisma than any of the proposed candidates.
Tom Chadwick, Ipswich, UK
Against the canting David Cameron, Kenneth Clarke would make the best choice for Tory Party leader and the only one that would intelligently challenge the government. I believe he's got the necessary mixture of wit, wisdom and realism to reinvigorate the Conservatives.
Danny, London
I was fortunate enough to meet Liam Fox yesterday and my friends and I all came away with the impression "this guy knows what he's talking about". Not only does he know what he's talking about, he came across as a genuinely affable and sincere man. Not only does he have the intelligence and experience (having served as a doctor) he also quite clearly has the temperament and fortitude.
Ollie, Leeds, UK
In order to win power back, the Conservatives need to win back the millions of average middle class voters, like me, who have lost faith in the party. I care far, far more about education, health and crime than I do about Europe, tax and immigration. So far, I have seen little indication that anyone in the party, other than Kenneth Clark, even begins to understand why people like me don't vote Tory anymore. As I read the postings on this board, it is clear to me that many grassroot Conservatives are still completely oblivious to what is so wrong with their current way of thinking.
Tim N, Herne Bay, England I have interesting debates with my grandmother, a Conservative activist Mail reader type, who like many in her party cannot seem to grasp that elections are won in the centre ground. As a New Labour waverer, this is where I sit, and only Ken Clarke could possibly persuade me to vote Tory. I find the more right wing candidates odious.
Stuart Edwards, Hitchin, Herts, UK
I've always liked Ken Clarke. But come the next election in 2009-10 do the Tories seriously want to be putting forward a candidate for Prime Minister aged 69? Even if he formed a government he'd be in his mid-seventies by the end of his first term in office.
Tim, London, UK
David Cameron has the best chance of uniting the Tories in the middle-right ground. Ken Clarke is (unfortunately) a spent and divisive force, while David Davies will positively switch off the voters by reason of his right wing views. Step aside Ken and think of party and country.
Martin Thomas, Eastleigh, Hants
Michael Rifkind is the man who has experience at the highest levels, with the maturity and bearing to be the next leader.
J B Sowerby, Cheltenham, UK
I don't really mind as long as whoever wins remembers one point above everything else. To have the slightest chance of winning a General Election, the party must win back the lost seats in the Midlands, Northern England, Scotland and Wales. That means true UK 1 Nation Conservatism, not London and South East parochialism.
Pete, Malvern, UK
As a young member of the Conservative Party I believe it is vital to change the direction of the party, this is, of course, what all of the candidates seem to agree on. Ken Clark is being talked up as 'the only man who can scare Labour', on this point, I'm afraid I disagree. Ken Clarke is a fantastic politician, and I truly wish he had been leader of the party, years ago but the main thing against him now is obviously his age, and I don't believe he could attract a wide enough scope of voters to win the next election. David Cameron is another fantastic politician with great ideas, but I feel his lack of experience will hold him back. Meaning my choice for leadership will be David Davis, I believe his method of modernising with right wing politics will be a winning combination, he alone is the man to steer the Tories to victory!
Alex Le Vey, Orpington, Kent I am delighted that members will democratically decide the leadership contest. It is the duty of our MPs to select the two most positive and able candidates so that members vote for and not against. Personally I believe that of those declared so far, David Cameron is the sensible choice. Conservatives have always been a progressive party and for that you must have a progressive leader. Cameron meets that criteria.
John Gilbert-Jupp, Gillingham, Kent
Convince Hague to return. He had Labour on the ropes when Blair was at the height of his power. Even if Brown is leader by the time the next election comes around I reckon Hague would win.
Lee W, London
As a person not attached to any one party, I'm quite open to anyone who offers a move slightly more central, I like what Cameron said about personal responsibility, because there is so little respect left in this country, however this has been said before by politicians, so I am wary. At the moment it can only really be between the Cameron and Clarke, as they are the two that would sway me towards Tory for the next election. Whether they're the right choice for the party is another matter.
Tom, Northumberland
It seems that the Tories have the choice of Ken Clarke, who the die-hard Tories won't vote for, or one of the other lot who are difficult to tell apart and will only get votes from the die-hard Tories. Its lose-lose for the Conservatives and I won't be shedding a tear for them.
Ben, York, UK
It will be a long time before people forget Baroness Thatcher and her Government, therefore little chance of a Tory Government, probably for decades. Firstly, they must get rid of people who were connected with that Government and then go out and find a new Mr Blair. Apart from Mr Clark, the current bunch of "possibles " have no credentials to lead anything.
James, Saltash, UK
Ken Clarke is affable and very likeable, but think back to the departments he ran - what did he achieve? Perhaps Clarke plus D Cameron would appeal to voters, young and old. I feel that the older Tories will reject Clarke for his attitude to Europe - despite the fact that he has moved back from his original views on Europe.
E McDonald, Dundee, Angus
I've been a voter for over thirty years and have never voted Tory in my life. However, the way our present government is behaving, I would most definitely consider Ken Clark.
Wendy Simpson, Bournemouth, UK
I think that the only leader who will actually worry the New Labour, party is Kenneth Clark, the only heavyweight in the contest. Unfortunately I think that the Tory has lost the will to win and will select somebody else.
David Jones, Prestatyn
The Conservatives always seem to squander an opportunity to elect a natural leader at least in the last 15 or so years, they had the opportunity to elect Michael Heseltine and went for John Major, they got the chance again to elect Kenneth Clark on two occasions and went for William Hague and Ian Duncan Smith. I think Conservatives have to face reality and for the last time give Kenneth Clark the opportunity to lead the party, anything short of that will be another electoral disaster. David Davies might be a nice guy but a boring face and virtually unelectable, Boris Johnson would even be better in that sense.
John Mensah, Chicago, USA David Davis. He wants a welfare state which is fair but more efficient than now; he will put the national interest of the UK higher up the agenda in terms of homeland security, defence, and limit EU power.
Alan, Blackpool
Ken Clarke as leader with David Cameron as his deputy, should prove a strong team that would appeal to a wide cross section of voters.
John, Burnham Market, UK
The decision to leave the election rules the same may be the end of the road for the party. Party Members can not seem to realise that they need a leader that appeals to those who do not currently support the party rather than the existing membership.
Graham Found, Banwell, N Somerset
As a member, activist and general election candidate last time, I believe that all those who state with great certainty that "only X" - whoever X may be - can guide us to victory next time, are wrong. How do we know what will happen? What policies will actually emerge and how will the electorate take to them? Iain Duncan Smith was written off as a right-wing lunatic by the media, yet turned out to be more focussed on health, education, poor housing and the needs of society's weakest than many would have expected. Choose somebody - anybody - who believes that Tory policy should be grown from Tory principles of freedom from an overbearing state and responsibility to others and we will have a winner. Choose somebody who believes that "our turn" will come again and we just have to wait and that is what we will do - wait, and wait, and wait.
John Moss, London, UK
David Cameron is the man: he combines a modernising youthful approach with a coherent intellectual argument. Clark is yesterday's man; David Davies has the ideas but not the charisma that will resonate with the public and the rest are simply not leadership material. I guess the retention of existing rules will favour David Davies over "colourful" Ken or the "riskier" choice of Cameron, but the Tories have a real dilemma: in appearing keen to remain a "democratic" party by involving the members they reopen the problem that their membership is not reflective of the composition and mood of the voters they have to attract. Are they aspiring to govern the nation or just become a debating club?
Bruce Acton, Winchester, UK It is just so difficult to retain, or even to find, enthusiasm for what has now become an annual leadership contest, knowing that the Conservative Party is unlikely to become truly electable as long as they rely so heavily on their party 'core'; doing so merely implies that any promised change will be only superficial, and still not provide a real alternative to our present government.
Harriet, Dorset, UK
I'm hoping for David Cameron but a leader is only one part of the equation. The party needs to fix its views on a host of policies and then step forward united.
Ian, London, England
It is disunity among MPs, not among local party members, which earned us the contempt of the electorate, who rightfully condemned us to the wilderness. Thus the need for MPs to have the last say - with that method rejected, we need someone like Thatcher, who was able to inspire every MP, or at least keep them in line, regardless of whom they supported in the race for party leader.
Michael, London, England/Tokyo, Japan
Ken Clarke is the only candidate, Labour, Lib Dem or Conservative, I'd trust as Prime Minister. It would also be a nice change to be able to vote positively for, instead of tactically against, which is how I've been voting for the past 15 years.
Susanna, Suffolk, UK
I cannot see any suitable candidate to be the next Tory leader. They are either too old or out of touch. My family is never a supporter of the Tories and I can't see we will in the future. As long as they hold the immigration attitudes during the election campaign, they will never and ever win our votes.
Christina Spybey, London, UK
| We desperately need a strong opposition to protect democracy in the UK |
We desperately need a strong opposition to protect democracy in the UK. Can these people not work amongst themselves to establish a choice of say two candidates with the remainder supporting them? The current situation looks shambolic and leaves me with little doubt of their non electability!
George, Chelmsford, UK As a Labour supporter I urge all Tories to vote for anyone but Ken Clarke. He is the only candidate who might gain votes for the Tories. Vote Davis!
Kev, London, UK
Ken Clarke may very well attract left-wing voters to the Tory Party, however he would also lose many current right-wing Tory voters such as myself to other parties such as UKIP. I vote Tory because I put principles and ideology before charisma and populism. I therefore very much hope that David Davis will be chosen to lead the party.
Morgan Wolf, Winchester, UK
As a young person (18) and a Conservative (though not with a small "c") Ken Clark is the man. He does not need to "connect" with the young. What they all need to realise is that when politicians try to "connect" all young people feel is contempt for them, Ken Clark is his own man and the young will respect him for it.
Richard Reynolds, Haslemere, Surrey
I really hope it's not David Davis. We need someone moderate and competent. Personally, I like Andrew Lansley, a future leader I believe. For now, it is going to have to be Ken. He has a nice mix of right wing economics with libertarianism. The party needs someone who will appeal to the wider public, not just the Daily Mail reader. We need someone who knows that not everyone who gets drunk is a yob, and not everyone who takes drugs is a pervert looking to destroy the fabric of society. You don't have to be young to be in touch with society, and I think Ken is more in touch than the rest.
Simon, Much Wenlock
| It needs a fresh approach to bring the Conservatives back |
I'd really like to see one of the candidates stand up for a more modern libertarian conservative view - lower taxes, smaller state, more personal freedom, lower barriers to trade. It needs a fresh approach to bring the Conservatives back and more tweaks to health spending, minor policy changes on Europe and the like are simply not interesting enough to engage the electorate. New Labour came into power after making sweeping changes, the Tories need to do likewise. Otherwise changing the face of the leader will be as ineffective as it has been so far.
Nick, UK Ken Clarke is the least worst candidate, but ultimately there are bigger issues the Tories need to address. For example, the reason why they're so unappealing and unpopular is that they're no longer relevant.
Michael, Leicester, UK
The place for yesterday's men is to step aside and help to nurture and guide those whose turn has come. That way they can be part of the future not keep the party mired in their own manipulative egocentrical nightmares.
Sue, Fareham, UK
It already feels as if this election contest has been running forever, thanks to Michael Howard's decision to stand down immediately after the last election. I am convinced that the majority of the public are completely turned off by the whole process, can't distinguish one Tory nonentity from another, or care less which of them gets to lead that party.
Joan Sinclair, Aberdeen
The party needs a charismatic leader to give them a face and appeal to voters. The fact that Ken is known to like his pint and a cigar also makes him appealing to the man in the street. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Tory voter, but if they're looking for any kind of success at the next election then Ken is the man.
Neil, Apeldoorn, Netherlands If the Tories want to re-connect with the people, David Cameron is their ideal choice. Unfortunately, their membership is yet to realise that this is the 21st, and not the 19th, century and that freedom is a social as well as an economic issue. Davis will win, the lurch rightwards will continue, and another valuable opportunity for positive change will be missed.
Adam, Bishop Auckland
Dr Liam Fox is the man for the job. Young, good looking, charismatic and experienced. A perfect match for Blair and Brown.
Puneet, London, UK
As a Liberal Democrat I hope it is David Davis. We would lose too many votes to Ken Clarke.
John Gilbert, Sevenoaks, Kent
Who on earth are David Davis and David Cameron? William Hague and IDS reincarnations? Almost certainly. Bring us that winning leader Ken Clarke.
Tom, St Albans
Dr Liam Fox should be the next Tory Leader. He has genuinely new ideas with regard to social issues, taxation and cares for the poor, the unborn and the family. I do not see how a tobacco-pushing Ken Clarke with no new ideas could bring anything either to the party or the country.
Damian Rhodes, Cardiff, Wales
Most of the members of the Conservative party that I know are stuck in the 1980s, and believe that Mrs T was a perfect PM. By adopting this insane idea of letting the members chose the leader the Conservatives are destined to disappear from the front line of politics.
Barry P, Havant England
The Conservative party needs a younger leader than those of the past. Although David Davis and Ken Clarke are gifted MPs, will the younger people in society connect with them?
Edward Burrows, Stoke, UK
Ken Clarke would be loved by Labour as his Euro fanaticism (denied but still there) will split the Conservatives into two warring factions again. He may have charisma and debating skills, but he can't hold the party together and four more years of internecine war will hand Labour another term on a plate.
Mark Edwards, Witney, Oxon David Cameron must stand a good chance - he actually sounded sincere. Watch out Tony Blair!
Lynn, Hitchin, UK
Ken Clarke seems like a fairly affable chap. As a life-long Lib Dem voter, he's the only one of the candidates who would persuade me to float to the Tories.
Jonny Carnell, England
I can't believe everyone wants Ken - The stark reality is that they need someone young - David Cameron is a man of this century - not the last - if they choose anyone else they can forget about office for another 8 years - Ken is fun but too old and overweight.
Bob Morrell, Tonbridge, England
I been saying Ken Clarke but now I heard David Cameron I am not so sure.
David, Durham
| The only candidate that stands a chance of returning the Tories to power is Ken Clarke |
The only candidate that stands a chance of returning the Tories to power is Ken Clarke. His left-leaning views strike a far more resonant chord with voters than any of the others, and he comes across as a nice, ordinary bloke to boot. If ever the Tories needed a personality in the leader's chair, it is now. If Clarke isn't elected, it's yet more time in the wilderness for the Tories.
Dan, Yateley, UK If the Tories sleepwalk into the arms of David Davis they deserve to wake up at the bottom of a cliff.
R C Robjohn, UK
I hope that Clarke gets the vote. I genuinely like his manner. He is the only person who has a hope of getting the neoconservative incumbent out of Downing Street permanently. Come on Tories. Give us a credible alternative.
Dave Llewellyn, Scotland
The choice is simple: do the Tories ever want to be in office (and turf out this disastrous Labour government) in the near future? If so, the only option is Ken Clarke.
Alex, London, UK
Well if the Tory Party does choose Ken Clark, at least he will have a rapport with its members; most of them will be the same age. It is probable that the next election will be in four years time when he will be 70. It looks like the Tory supporters are looking to the future. The only reason Ken Clarke is popular is because there is no one else with the character to take on the role.
Martin, Telford, UK
As a 28-year-old voter my hope is that Ken Clarke becomes next leader. Charismatic, popular and a fierce debater. Many of us forget that today's strong economy is in the main down to this man. Go Ken!
Ed H, Cheshire, UK
I'm disappointed that Boris Johnson isn't standing.
Chris E, Norwich, England
The choice is between traditional Tory policy (Davis) or actual Tory power (Clarke). 2005 comes as something of a crossroad to the party and its future development.
Anthemos, London, Westminster So IDS wasn't enough of a warning about what happens when the ancient, very right wing members of the Tory Party get to choose a politician. I still remain confused by the whole thing - shouldn't there just be a leader of the parliamentary party and a leader of the 'activists' party? No one actually has time to be both.
Jack, Essex
I was hoping that Ken Clarke would be elected the next Tory leader. I now believe, however, that we will end up with another Ian Duncan Smith and then another four years of this rather disastrous Labour government. Please Tories, elect the guy who can win the most votes.
KP, England
I hope that after all these months of Tory infighting they finally decide to elect a leader that will at least give Rory Bremner some work to do in creating his impression. After all, let's face it, Ken Clarke is too easy to do.
Paul Phillips, Orpington, UK
| The MPs should have been more widely consulted in the first place |
As a Tory supporter I am pleased that the rule change has been defeated, but this whole episode has been handled with startling ineptitude. The MPs should have been more widely consulted in the first place, but they were not. So they voted against Howard's original proposals, only to replace them with something even more unpalatable for the membership. So now it's back to square one. There's a moral there somewhere.
Wayne Hanson, London, UK After voting Labour for 20 years I was hoping to vote Conservatives at the next election, as I am totally dismayed at Labour. I hope the Conservatives will see sense and let Ken Clarke have a go. He will get my vote at the next election.
Martin, Wallingford, UK
Francis Maude said that the Tories would look "pretty damn silly" if they rejected these rule changes. One of the most intelligent and well-made predictions by any politician in quite a while.
Toby Smith, Guildford, UK
It seems bizarre that people are criticising a party for choosing an electoral system that means the party leader will represent the views of the majority of the party's members. It seems to stem from the "winning is all that matters" mentality of the game show, but surely if you have to give up your beliefs to gain control you've lost? I don't know, perhaps we should ask the Labour Party, they've tried it.
Michael Barnes, Milton Keynes, UK
| Should have left it to the MPs, who have a vested interest in choosing someone who will win |
I'm 42 and when I attend Conservative branch meetings I feel like a young kid compared to the others. Lovely people, but not representative of the wider population, and I fear their choice for leader won't be either. Should have left it to the MPs, who have a vested interest in choosing someone who will win.
Anon, UK It seems that the Tories will never learn. It is absolutely essential for them to elect a leader who is more likely to attract the vast majority of people who now vote for other parties. In my opinion that person is Ken Clarke. He can broaden their appeal. I am a life long Labour voter but I will definitely vote Conservative next time if he is elected their leader.
Rakesh Chander, Leicester
As with so many aspects of the Conservative party these past few years, this issue is an irrelevance. It matters not one jot who leads the party, or how he or she is elected. What matters is that the party convinces the country that it is fit to hold office, and it is as far from doing that after today's vote as it was before it.
Ted, Hampshire
I am afraid that the system the Conservative Party has voted to retain will throw up another leader in the William Hague/Ian Duncan Smith mould instead of one who will win an election. We desperately need a man, like Ken Clarke, who will appeal to the man and woman in the street.
John Crawshaw, Oundle, Northants
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