Who do you think will be best to lead the Conservative Party? This is the third page of your comments.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
 | SUGGEST A DEBATE This topic was suggested by Graham Shelton, England UK  What would be your advice to the Parliamentary Conservative Party as they choose their new leader and the next potential Prime Minister of Great Britain? |
Cameron is not the man to capture the under-35s. I am 30 and the only Tory any of my New Labour-voting friends would consider is Ken Clarke. He is intelligent, combative and proven. Would the Conservative Party really prefer to stay right-wing and marginal or more centrist and electable? That seems to me to be the only question and the only answer is Ken.
Tim, London
What a joke! Proof that both Blair and Brown will have Davis for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With Ken Clarke, I am adamant that these two New Labour buffoons will go hungry. Why oh why do the Tories need to be told the obvious?
Billy, Notts
Definitely not Davis. So poor at speaking and these days leader must be able to speak well in public. How the MP's can support him is beyond me. Bring on Cameron or Fox but definitely not Davis.. He would stop me voting conservative.
John Pestell, South Croydon, UK
Ken Clark is the business. A very good Chancellor who can see off Gordon Brown when the time comes. If the Tories do not chose him then they will be in the wilderness for another decade and God help the UK!
Rosie M, Bedford
I've been impressed that the Tories have such a range of good candidates and there's a genuine fight going on. I find the emphasis on the importance of "the Leader" excessive but at the moment Cameron appears to have the star quality for the role. I want to see more than good public speaking though. I don't want an excess of "vision" or politically correct ideas (Tories, shut up about Europe!). Rather, can he lead and develop a team? Can he articulate policy ideas clearly and simply to the general public?
Tony, Kingston on Thames UK
Why do the Tories even bother having a 'leader'? It's not as if they're going to get elected anyway.
Lewis, Edinburgh
A political party who had the likes of Thatcher as a member let alone the PM of this country, deserves to be cast in to the wilderness for all time. Remember, all right wingers are of the same strain, like Hitler, Pinochet, and others. Britain, must never go back to the dark ages. Tom, Leeds
Thomas Lowry, Leeds UK
Ken Clarke without a doubt. He has the brains, experience and right understanding of fast changing world and the proven economic competence to realise the future dreams.
Nisheeth Tak, Dublin, Ireland
| Cameron is the answer - it's no good going back to the good old days |
As a first time voter last time around, I voted Conservative - many didn't. The only way the Conservatives will win power again is if they appeal to young voters. Cameron is the answer - it's no good going back to the good old days.
Caroline, Stafford I regard myself as the type of voter Tory's must attract to win therefore it must be Clarke with Cameron as deputy.
Martin Smith, London
65 MPs declared too soon. I hope they reconsider. Davis is not the right man. I would like to see Cameron and Fox go to the final vote. Both impressed this week.
A Smith, Guildford, Surrey
It just has to be Kenneth Clarke. I don't agree with his European views at all but the argument against the Euro has already been won in my opinion. He is the only man with the proven experience coupled with the necessary charisma to win over the non-Tories.
Paul Moy, Bracknell
Whoever it is please don't let it be Ken Clarke. He's far too pro-Europe for the voters of the UK and also he's a peddler of death in his guise as a director of British American Tobacco he could never command any authority.
Peter, Luton
| The bland personalities involved have no charisma, no innovative 'workable' policies and no idea what the electorate want |
The Tory leadership election is a pointless exercise. The bland personalities involved have no charisma, no innovative 'workable' policies and no idea what the electorate want - Gordon Brown will be the next Prime minister. The voting Public still have not forgiven the Party for John Major and Margaret Thatcher - the two individuals responsible for destroying the last manufacturing industries and promoting greed as an acceptable form of personal motivation.
Stephen, Harrogate I always get a little bit worried when people talk in a nationalist vein. I would have to see more of Dr Fox and the true nature of his anti-Europe (or merely anti-foreigner?) stance before I'd be happy with an opposition led by him.
Tom, Leamington Spa
I should be the next Tory leader. I could hardly do worse than the most recent string of them. By the way, how much does it pay?
Mark, USA
David Davis - he will sort out the country and the only man with the courage to sort out immigration.
Dick Little, London
I would like see Clark and Cameron as the final 2 choices put to the grass-roots with Clarke becoming the final winner. Given Clark then gives Cameron a predominate and meaningful role in the shadow cabinet then Clark can train up Cameron to be his natural successor as Prime Minister Under these conditions I am convinced the Tories will have a winning opportunity
G Humphreys, Bournemouth
I think is safe to say whoever becomes the next Conservative party leader will lose the next election. I was surprised at the party that Michael Howard was chosen last time and Michael Portillo was rejected or say driven-out of the party. It should be between the two David's. I hope the right David is chosen this time.
Patrick Sung, Kent.
If the Conservatives do not vote for Ken Clarks they will enjoy many more years out of office. The only people who have been voting for conservative leaders have been conservative voters. They don't seem to get the message that they need big Ken to win.
Mike, USA
Tories should realise that having a young, photogenic leader or some veteran, cigar smoking leader is not going to make them more electable. Despite personality playing a greater role in electability, the Tories suffer from the fact that their membership is made up of Victor Meldrews and Mrs Buckets (pronounced 'Bouquet'). The Tories are old and irrelevant, not their principles.
Nick, Southampton, UK
I occupy the centre ground and live in a marginal constituency but have never voted Tory so suppose I am the sort of person they need to win over. Ken Clarke is the only one that would make me seriously consider voting Tory but they won't choose him; I think David Cameron may end up winning and would be the only one other than Clarke that Labour would fear. If he wins and delivers on the promise he shows, he will be 42 or so at the next election and could win it.
Mark , Sutton, Surrey
Cameron will bring a youthful aspect to the conservative party which it has been lacking. They should be looking at who will be able to defeat the labour party at the next election, and a party leader close to or in their 70's will not be seen as reliable candidate for running a nation.
Andrew, London
| Someone with a profile like Theresa May would actually pose a threat |
It's the lesser of five evils really. Not being a Tory this is all very interesting to me, do they vote for whom they agree with or vote for who can stand a chance of winning? I think that if the Tories seriously think Davis can win them an election they are deluded. Cameron is no boy wonder as he comes across smug, privileged, and clueless. Clarke is now just too old, Fox is characterless and Rifkind is a non-entity. As a Lib Dem voter I might actually be worried if they came up with a half decent candidate, someone with a profile like Theresa May would actually pose a threat.
Tom Stewart, London I bewail another list of runners and riders comprising names that - to the majority of the electorate - are either past their sell by dates or have never been heard of! When will the Conservative Party get smart and start to prepare for succession management intelligently. They should be grooming smart and younger 'future leaders' in their early to mid 30's; be giving them 'successful growing visibility' as they mature politically so that the electorate start saying...'He'll make a great PM one day' and the logic is then there for the 'groomed and expected leader' to step from the sidelines into the limelight as a successful election winning PM. As it is, we are left with a potpourri of 'runners' where the winner is unlikely to be a 'champion' - more the one who knocked over the least fences.
Malcolm, Athens, Greece
Anyone who will withdraw from the EU, control immigration and deport without appeal any non national who commits any offence
Steve Edwards, Cambs
I can't understand the antipathy to candidates from "privileged" backgrounds. There couldn't have been many with a more privileged background than Churchill but he was pretty instrumental in getting this country out of a hole.
Phil McDonald, Belfast, UK
If the Tory Party once more look to their right wing for a leader it will just go to show how out of touch they still are with the rest of the country. Give the public what they want - Ken Clarke! They might just find that wavering voters such as myself might give them a second thought.
Jeremy Hall, London
| Davis has the charisma of IDS and even less charm than Howard |
Davis has the charisma of IDS and even less charm than Howard. Clarke is in the tobacco industry's pocket. Fox appeals only to jingoists. Cameron is style over substance. Only Rifkind impresses me, but it seems his qualities don't appeal to his own party enough.
Rory, London, England Ken Clarke's mind in David Cameron's body. Failing that, David Cameron in David Cameron's body, with Ken and other experienced former ministers on hand to give advice.
Nic, London, UK
I think most conservatives are quite happy with Tony Blair as their leader. All other elections for leadership will be irrelevant while he continues to rule over the central political landscape.
John Kelly, UK
I think Michael Howard should stay, after all the man has done wonders in keeping the Conservative Party from power and distancing them even further from the majority of the voting public thereby ensuring that the Conservatives continue being a garrulous and unfailingly opportunistic opposition.
Myles, London
Ken, by a long way he has the right credentials for the job, his deputy should be younger so as to learn from him.
Mike Owsley, London UK
It's got to be Cameron or Fox, they were brilliant and have shown they have got what it takes. Maybe a dream ticket between the two of them, now that would be something!
Kris, Southend, UK
| David Cameron is the ideal candidate - young, enthusiastic and with a clear vision for the future |
I voted Conservative until 1987. If the Conservative Party wants my vote back and that of many others they need to appeal to the middle ground. I think the ideal would be Ken Clarke but we need to look to the next generation. I think that David Cameron is the ideal candidate - young, enthusiastic and with a clear vision for the future.
Peter, Weston-super-Mare I was very impressed with the energetic speech by David Cameron. He would be a move away from the perceived stuffiness of old conservatism to a vibrant new party with a real chance of winning the next general election. I for one would vote for him. He is a genuinely attractive alternative to Blair and Brown spin politics.
Chris Chumbley, Stevenage
David Davis is a strong and determined man who will take a firm grip of the party. He is the only man who can shake things up and win back votes. His plain talking, no messing around attitude will bring faith back to politics.
Gareth Davies, Leeds, England
Clarke is too old, too tainted by the EU and tobacco and frankly I find the idea that people want to vote as leader of the Tory party someone who has sat on the sidelines earning huge sums of money whilst his party disintegrates around him pretty shocking. Davis is a good guy, highly principled and a sound constituency MP. Sadly I fear his lack of charisma is not going to boost Tory appeal dramatically at the next election. Fox is just a bit too right wing and won't connect with the voters. Cameron, I believe to be by far and away the strongest candidate and I sincerely hope will win the leadership contest. He also has the best chance of rebuilding the Conservative party to be a winning party of government again.
Josh, London
| Ken Clarke should be told by the party to stop 'backstabbing' and realise that he has been rejected |
Anyone but Ken Clarke, and when that person has been elected, Ken Clarke should be told by the party to stop 'backstabbing' and realise that he has been rejected and is required to get behind the leader or leave. This man has been the problem with the party for too long. Together with Heseltine and Portillo they have been undermining the leaders ever since they got rid of Margaret Thatcher. That is not what potential leaders do.
Don, Carshalton Just when we thought the Tories might have a chance at voting in some electable candidates, to remove Labour from power, they go and shoot themselves in the foot with all the talk about whether they did drugs at college or not. We don't care! Get on with talking about some sensible policies for the country as opposed to bickering about the completely irrelevant!
Gav, Eastleigh, England
Clarke is a bluff populist but I don't think he has the energy and drive to be a leader or PM. Davis is personable but not memorable - he doesn't stand out. Fox looks like a chat show host - too lightweight. If the Tories know what's good for them, it'll be Cameron. He's sharp, modern, in touch, and way more 'now' than Gordon Brown.
Dave, Leicester, UK
David Cameron is my choice. He provided the best Conference speech. He appeals to the young new voters in the 30-40 years old group (single and those with families), who are workers and need hope for themselves and their children's future.
Mrs M Daubeney, Burley, Hampshire, UK
Do any of the conservative MPs read this? You wouldn't think so considering the number of people who still say they want Ken Clarke.
Andrew, London, UK
Ken Clarke can deliver a Tory win with David Cameron as the next in line. However, this ideal duo is unlikely to materialise if the party's history of intrigue is anything to go by.
Soji Wilde, Hemel Hempstead
| Mr Clarke remains a likeable politician, but not the face for change |
Once the greatest threat to a Labour Government, once the greatest wasted asset of the Conservative Party, Mr Clarke remains a likeable politician, but not the face for change. Dr Fox would grow in the role of leader, and provide a credible alternative to Gordon Brown at the next election.
Nicholas Dent, Scole, UK As a Conservative activist for some 15 years now I'm delighted that the Party stepped back from disenfranchising its members over the final choice - I think that would have sent completely the wrong message. If Liam Fox is one of the final two then he will certainly be getting my vote, and I think that a Fox-versus-Cameron contest could capture the imagination of the public and show a newly confident Conservative Party in a very favourable light
John Wilkin, London
The more I am learning about Dr Liam Fox the more I realise that I could actually change my politics and vote Tory (if he becomes the next Tory leader)! Liam Fox seems to have the 'crazy idea' that we should love and be proud of our country - and not lose our identity - but still respect and tolerate other races and creeds and welcome the diversity. A young man with such a fresh approach and candid opinions is just what we need.
Deanna LeCoyte, Swindon, Wiltshire, UK
Isn't it obvious? Blair persuaded both Labour and Tory voters to choose labour. Clarke would persuade them to choose the Conservatives.
John, London
I am a Conservative and I hope David Cameron is chosen leader of the Conservative party of Great Britain.
Terry Senum, Edmonton, Canada
Definitely not Liam Fox; he would just be a Bush lackey...erm, rather like our current Prime Minister. I agree with the comments about Boris Johnson; he would be an interesting choice. I admire him for his public support for the Impeach Blair campaign.
Jon Perkins, Hereford, UK
We should not mistake name recognition (Clarke) with real appeal (Cameron). The Hague analogy is misplaced, because TV killed a great Commons performer whereas Cameron will win on TV. Clarke is simply too old much as I would admire him personally. Make the change and it's not Blair we are fighting, it's Brown. Cameron can beat Brown.
Ian Cheshire, Both If Ken Clarke doesn't become leader I'm not voting Tory. To put in yet another new boy and ruin him from ever becoming Prime Minister is reckless. People just don't get it; we Brits are moderates. Taking a 'them and us' position on Europe is silly, as we do most of our trade, football and holidaying there. Many of us retire there. Ken Clarke is expert at finances. He brought us low inflation, low unemployment and when he left office the national debt was almost paid off. He wants the job and was chief whip as well as Chancellor. After voting for IDS and William Hague and Michael Howard I want someone in the centre, who screeches 'humanity' not 'patriotism'. And yes, it is important to be able to give a good speech.
John Ellis, London, UK
Ken Clarke is the only real contender, but he will be too old in 2009. David Cameron seems to think his own past behaviour has no bearing on his ability and credibility for passing laws that criminalise and blight the lives of thousands of young people here in the UK when they have only done what he did. I find this disgusting, hypocritical and shocking. A clear indication he is unfit for the job of (potential) PM (however remote that potential is).
Marc Knell, Donaghadee, Co. Down
If the Tories vote anyone else but Clarke for leader they really don't deserve to win anything. Polls show Clarke is the favourite amongst the electorate, even younger voters, so they should bow to the wishes of those who obviously know better.
Irene, Manchester, UK
I'm a 21-year-old Tory Party Member, and I think Liam Fox is the man to lead this party to victory. He has what it takes, in experience, not just as an MP but in his life working in the NHS. He is a great public speaker who can really get people in the room listening.
Anne-Marie, North Somerset I would have liked Mrs T. May as the leader because she has the courage to speak out and the drive to lead the party to win, however my second choice is for D. Cameron, he needs to work hard to put together a new and convincing manifesto to sell the party to the British people.
Dr S. Sivakumaran, Lincoln, England
For the Tory party to move forward they need a fresh new face who has the charisma and enthusiasm we saw in 1997 with Labour. Step forward David Cameron
Manish Gajjar, Weybridge, UK
It is too early for Cameron, the Tories will have another missed opportunity as they did electing Hague too early. Ken Clarke is the only one that has the political clout to carry this off!
Tony, Manchester
Who leads the Tory party is important in the sense that 'presentation' counts and so a lot can ride on who is doing the presenting. But if the policies are bad ones, then no matter how good the presentation is, the punters won't vote for them. Quite frankly, I haven't heard a clear enunciation of Tory policies for yonks. Maybe that is one of the reasons why they still get called the 'nasty party' - people don't have anything to go on to counter that view. Unless the issue of clear policy is dealt with, then it hardly matters who the Tories' leader is - they still won't get to govern.
Daniel, Dublin, Ireland
| In David Cameron you have a new face with no penalty points incurred |
Voters have already seen two of the contenders in previous governments and some might be put off knowing their policies are still the same. In David Cameron you have a new face with no penalty points incurred. He speaks well, has a clear vision and is on the right side of 50.
Peter, Kenilworth That depends if you want to regain power, or retain the principles of Conservatism. If it's the former, then Clarke, if the latter, then I would say Fox. It depends how much this Tories are willing to sacrifice just to get a man into No 10.
Ollie, Leeds, UK
It seems obvious that if the Tory Party is serious about winning the next general election they should start by voting for Ken Clarke. He obviously has the largest support among the general public and the dream team would be Ken Clarke and David Cameron. It would be great for the party, country and David Cameroon if he could back Ken Clarke and wait his turn when he has a few more years experience behind him. He shouldn't make the same mistake as William Hague.
Kouroush Fassihi, Southampton, UK
I think David Davis gave an excellent speech, has an appeal to people from all backgrounds and can pull the party together.
Susan, Norfolk, UK
I wasn't going to comment before seeing Sunday AM this weekend (9th Oct). Am I the first person to say I don't care which potential future Tory leader smoked cannabis in their college days, and for the BBC to get some intelligent questions?
Ken, London, UK
| If Ken Clarke gets elected I'll definitely be voting Tory |
If Ken Clarke gets elected I'll definitely be voting Tory. If the party members refuse to see sense I fear they'll never receive a vote from me. Clarke now. Cameron later. He is the only man who stands as a prime minister, social conscience, approachable and realistic. Clarke versus Brown, I know who I'd back.
Joe, Nottingham, UK Fox if they want to keep the current party members happy. Clarke if they want ex-Conservative voters to vote Conservative again and get into power.
Ron Gerard, London, UK
I would like to see Davis win but if he isn't an appealing communicator he wouldn't stand a chance against Blair. Having said that, Mr Brown isn't exactly a riveting speaker.
Ian, Bradford, UK
Personally I think David Davis gave the best speech. Taking everything into consideration, his background, and his positive forward approach to the Conservative Party and his statesman-like approach to unite not only the party but the country, stands him clearly as the next leader of the next government.
Raymond Osborne, Torrox, Spain
I would never vote Tory. Yet when David Cameron came forward to be the only politician to embrace a sensible drugs policy, a policy that could actually address the problem rather than posture, I was briefly tempted.
David, Leominster, UK
| David Davis not a populist - I favour him as leader |
David Davis not a populist - I favour him as leader. We do not want a PM long on words and short on effective action.
Anthony Smith, London Ken Clarke has the ability, political weight and knowledge to beat Blair and Brown and put an end to their presidential style of government. I am pleased that we have the strength in depth that David Cameron offers, and hopefully, when Clarke allows Cameron the experience of government that he will gain after Ken has won the next election, then in due course he will also lead the party and the country.
Michael Posner, Ashburton, Devon, UK
Definitely not Davis. The ideal would be Clarke and Cameron with Hague, Rifkind and Fox all on the front bench.
W Knight, London
Only two contenders stood out as potential candidates; Clarke and Cameron. Clarke ticks all the right boxes for me and is really the only person who can stand up against and potentially defeat Blair. Cameron has plenty of sound ideas, but needs to get some time in a ministerial position before even thinking about challenging for the keys to No 10. Hopefully, the Tory voters will see the light and bring an end to several years of poor representation.
Tony, Freetown, Sierra Leone
David Cameron and George Osborne are the future of the Conservative Party. A shadow Cabinet composed of the two gentlemen, along with Boris Johnson, would capture centralist votes and put the Tories back where they belong, running this country.
Gil Eliav, London, UK
| The only contender to make an impression was Liam Fox |
I watched all the speeches and the only contender to make an impression was Liam Fox. The real problem, however, is that none of the candidates have any ideas that appeal to the majority of the UK voters.
John A Turner, Cardiff Ken Clarke asked the only relevant question: do the Tories want to win again, or wait again? Clarke looked like someone who could very credibly bang Tony and Gordon around and make them look weak and callow in comparison. Cameron has youth on his side, but it is William Hague all over again - too young, too evangelical. All this talk of Clarke not appealing to the youth vote is nonsense. Clarke is exactly what my generation likes plain talking.
Sidney, London, UK
I'm nearly 40 and I have always voted Labour in the past, always. If David Cameron were elected Tory leader, my vote would change from red to blue without hesitation. I know this is the same for a number of people I have spoken to on the subject. For the first time since Tony Blair first came onto the scene, there is an anticipation that we may have been introduced to a person we will be proud to call our Prime Minister.
Allan, Bromley
For me, it has to be Ken Clarke. He voted against the Iraq war and that could be the ace up his sleeve. Add to that his honesty and common touch, failure to elect Clarke this time could see the Tories consigned to the wilderness for several more years yet.
Paul Phillips, Birmingham UK
| It was David Cameron who shone through |
I went to the Party Conference favouring Ken Clarke & David Cameron, but prepared to be convinced by the other contenders. Having heard their platform speeches, listened to them at fringe meetings, and spoken to many other delegates, it was David Cameron who shone through. He gave a real sense of a new beginning for the party, has great enthusiasm, and a clear vision for where we need to go and what we need to do to get there.
Kate, London, UK None of them inspire me but I'd vote for whichever of them was prepared to have a Cabinet with Liam Fox as the Health Sec and William Hague. Cameron would be a risk and could do with being blooded. None of the others inspire me and won't frighten the PM.
Mat, Wales
I would say Liam Fox, as with his 'family values' and neoconservative fantasies, he would lead the Tories into political oblivion. However, a weak opposition is bad for democracy, so a part of me hopes David Cameron wins...
Gareth, Swansea, Wales, UK
I am absolutely aghast and staggered that anyone seriously considers having Malcolm Rifkind as leader - talk about non-descript and bland, with no ideas. As for Ken Clarke, forget it Ken, give up and retire to watch cricket somewhere. Far too much the Europhile to appeal to the country. Who's left? Ah yes, Davis, Cameron and Fox. I had thought Davis until this week (no, I didn't reckon his speech was that bad) but things have changed, radical times call for radical change. So who's my vote going to, Fox or Cameron? - I honestly don't know at the moment but Fox is perhaps just ahead, due to his extra experience.
Andrew Turner, Bedford UK
I am swinging from Davis to Fox, but I tend to agree with the writer who said what use are speeches? Blair could talk the hind leg off a donkey, but I no longer believe a word he says, no matter how 'sincerely folks' he says it. Actions speak louder than words.
John, England
Wakey Wakey, it's the economy stupid, and Ken Clarke wrecked the last one by supporting the ERM. Brown is wrecking this one, so pick a right winger and the next election will result in a Tory win. If the East Lothian question had been addressed, we English would already have a Tory Parliament on the basis of the last election results.
John, England
Agreed David Davis's speech was lacklustre. However, if early speeches are to be the sole test of leadership credentials then Mrs Thatcher would certainly not have been elected leader in the mid 70's!
Ian Malsbury, W. Yorks
If, as seems likely, the Labour party goes into the next election with Gordon Brown as leader, I think they will win whoever is Tory leader because the electorate are impressed by him and will give him at least one chance. It would be a shame to see the promising David Cameron lost through unavoidable defeat. I am not a Tory voter, but I think it would be good for the country if Ken Clark got the job, with David Cameron in the number two slot being groomed for future leadership. As opposition leader, Clarke would keep Brown on his toes, or as Prime Minister he should serve one term then hand over to the matured Cameron.
Jim Robertson, East Kilbride, Scotland The only experienced candidate must be Ken Clarke. I just could not imagine any of the other candidates taking on Toy Blair at the dispatch box. We have been ineffective since 1997, not helped by poor efforts at the front of the 'House'. Please let us not make a mistake this time and vote for experience Clarke
Laurie, Scotland
The ideal team would be Rifkind as leader and Clarke as shadow chancellor. That would be a combination to have Blair and Brown trembling in their boots - at last!
Andrew, Oxford, UK
A pacifist? Maybe it is time for the UK to stop acting like a spoiled US child and give PEACE a chance...
Michel Tremblay, Canada
As a committed Tory supporter I am strongly against Kenneth Clarke - he is simply not electable as a future PM. I always admired Malcolm Rifkind when he last in government and would probably support him now. However, the party needs to be brave - they were brave to elect Margaret Thatcher - and it is time to be brave again. Cameron is the man for the future.
Richard Groves, Shaftesbury - UK
Doesn't matter really, I guess. They are all just a motley bunch. Nothing outstanding about anyone of them.
Sizzler, Dartford, Kent
Liam Fox seems the perfect candidate. He knows where the party is and where it must go.
Joe,
I've only watched three speeches. I didn't bother with Liam Fox or Malcolm Rifkind as they would never be electable as prime minister. David Cameron gave an interesting, accomplished speech but his focus was too broad in places and too narrow in others. He needs a period in government gaining experience in Health, the Treasury and the Home Office before becoming prime minister. David Davis did not come across as prime minister material. He would barely cope at Prime Minister's Question Time even. Kenneth Clarke surprised me but by focusing on the economy he takes Labour on squarely and tackles the issue that the public is most likely to be worried about come the next election. He may appeal less than Cameron, say, to some Tory voters but he will certainly carry more voters with him at the election. If the Tories are serious about government, they really only have one choice at the present time.
Sue Brownbridge, Barcelona, Spain
Paul McKenna would be the best bet. He could then erase the memory of everyone who lived through the Nightmare that was Margaret Thatcher.
Tim, Walsall
If I had my way I would bring back William Hague but failing this Cameron is the one who inspires most.
MH, Birmingham
Earlier this year I think it was John Bercow who made the very telling point that the Conservative Leadership is not a training ground. We have seen in David Cameron a trainee leader with great potential, but how will he fare against Blair and Brown in the Commons, how well will he come over on TV, will his policies strike a chord with the electorate? We don't know. In William Hague and IDS the Conservatives selected comparative unknowns with potential, and it didn't work. This time Conservatives should go for somebody with proven ability and appeal - and the only one of those among the contenders is Ken Clarke.
Mike Morton-George, Newick, England Whatever you may or may not like about them one thing is clear; thank goodness none are lawyers!
Anonymous, UK
Speaking as a life long Lib Dem voter, hopefully the Tories will vote in Liam Fox and put the Tories firmly into third place.
Alex, Aylesbury, UK
Am sad Boris Johnston didn't want to content for leadership
James Headspeath, Minchinhamptom. Glos, England
We seem to have a choice between Mr Non-charisma (several of them) and Kenneth Clarke. I've had more fun watching paint dry.
Martin, London, UK
| if they refuse to pick Ken Clarke this time round then the party deserves the inevitable demise that will await them |
I want to support the Tories, but I truly feel that if they refuse to pick Ken Clarke this time round then the party deserves the inevitable demise that will await them. After the Iraq war and the economy now going haywire, the country needs a leader like Clarke: if Tory MPs or members deny the country the opportunity of voting for him and a moderated right-of-centre party, I for one will not forgive them.
Donald Jacobs, Greenock The last thing the Tories need is a slimy, smarmy, irritating 'young' leader that just reminds everyone of Blair. They also can't afford to have anyone from the Thatcher cabinet with their reputation as public service wreckers. Only Liam Fox has the right degree of boldness and vision to be a true leader.
Jonathan, london, uk
I follow politics. I've never voted Conservative. Liam Fox is my MP. I've met Ken Clarke - when he was Health Minister he came to the hospital where I was working. The Tories should go for Clarke, unlike most of their recent leaders he seems to be intelligent, and to have a "human" side. I'm not saying I'd vote Conservative if Clarke was their leader, but, unlike most recent elections, I wouldn't dismiss them out of hand.
Mike, Bristol
As a life-long Conservative I had to work really hard to bring myself to vote for them at the last election. Unless a major change takes place I can't see me supporting them next time round. In my view only David Cameron as leader can keep me onside next time.
John R Smith, UK
I am 30, and I am not convinced by David Cameron. In the same that there was a reaction against Thatcher's style of governance after many years in power, the tide is already turning against Blair's presentation over substance trademark. We need the Unspun Man, Ken Clarke, a man with a track record. The rest pale in comparison.
Doug Cochrane, Munich, Germany
The next Tory leader should be... Tony Blair. Then when he wins power again we can say 'eat your heart out Gordon - we never liked you anyway'!
Tinek Mitski, Lodz Poland Yes, Adrian from London, the Tories are going to elect another right-winger. That is because, SHOCKINGLY enough, they are a right wing party.
,
Boris Johnson. Politics is a joke, let's make it a funny one.
,
Cameron has certainly got my vote. Where has he been hiding? He seems to be just what we have all been waiting for, he is has that certain something that the others lack.
Anne Rees, Halesowen, England David Cameron seems to be the only one that understands that the Conservatives are not electable in their current guise. He knows that changing the leader alone is not good enough; the party needs a major re-think of its ideals and beliefs to regain the confidence of the British public. If an old school type is elected as leader it will just be more years in the wilderness.
Nigel, Solihull
It is not all the quality of the speeches. I saw all the speeches and my fear is that when David Cameron says 'modernise', he means 'leave behind moral values'. Davis is well thought through and the best of what is actually a bright crop of hopefuls.
Cameron, Edinburgh
Liam Fox should be next leader as a eurosceptic; he will be a strong leader. A leader on par with Margaret Thatcher, this is the leader this party needs now. He can bring us back from the wilderness, we need Liam now.
Eric Abercrombie, Paignton, Devon,
If not Cameron then a Clarke/Cameron ticket has to be the way forward with Osborne playing a major role, allowing a fantastic future partnership when Ken retires. Labour would only then be a worried party. Bottom line youth attracts youth and at the moment the Conservative party membership average age is as old as my father. This itself has to change for David Cameron and George Osborne to make the difference needed.
Paul Eccles, Devizes
| A surprisingly positive and optimistic conference |
A surprisingly positive and optimistic conference. Cameron has come from nowhere to look like the man to reinvent the Tories and get them back into power, capturing the centre ground whilst attacking Labour tax-and-waste. If elected he could dramatically swing the floating voters to the conservatives, especially if Brown is the only other option.
James, London, UK Remember this is a leadership contest not a public-speaking competition. That said, Davis and Fox bored me stiff. Cameron said all the right things but the shoes are still too big for him. Clarke didn't speak like a contender. He spoke like a leader already fighting the battle of ideas with Brown and Blair. It's a pity he'll be so old if he becomes PM. He'll only last one term at most.
KJ, London
Today I watched Ann Widdecombe answering a question about the candidates for the leadership and she hit the nail on the head. All those at Blackpool will vote Conservative at the next elections, no matter who the leader is. What the Conservatives need is someone who Labour, Lib-Dem and others will vote for. Maybe, just maybe Clarke and Cameron could deliver that result. It's time for the Conservatives to appeal to others not just Conservative voters.
Peter, Worcester
David Cameron is undoubtedly the star of the show, no looking back, no criticism of the opposition just positive ideas for the future. Surely this makes the winning ticket, who wants to go back to the old school let's move forward.
Andy Cleverdon, Oakham UK
| We need a leader who is a great orator |
We need a leader who is a great orator. Nowadays it takes showmanship to win an election. Look at Blair.
Mark Olive, Bournemouth Liam Fox is the only candidate to have the substance to stand up and say what the majority of British people want to hear - that we are not afraid of our past heritage and our place in the future embracing all and sundry irrespective of origin but bowing to none and ensuring that we re-establish proper democratic government based on parliament democracy at Westminster by, with and for the people of this country as soon as possible. Can you argue with the logic of that?
David, Bristol, England
David Cameron is the only sensible choice for the Conservative party. Rifkind and Clarke are old-school. Davis and Fox lack public appeal. Cameron's a breath of fresh air. For the first time ever in the last General Election I didn't vote Conservative. Cameron would probably see me return to the fold.
Colin Whitehurst, Congleton, UK
The leader should be chosen on track record and experience, not on the superficial impression gained from a speech. The Tories should go for substance not appearances.
Ken, Merseyside, England
| I would happily vote Tory for the first time if Ken Clarke were the leader and David Cameron his deputy |
I am a lifelong Labour supporter, looking for a new home. I would happily vote Tory for the first time if Ken Clarke were the leader and David Cameron his deputy, learning enough about politics in the next few years ready to take over as a hardened performer.
Norman W, Truro England New Labour will be tough to beat, even by the time of the next election. The Tories need someone who can do some real damage to Blair's (and Brown's) credibility over the next few years. The Tories should go for Clarke now: he's the only one who can really do that; then hopefully Liam Fox will still be on hand to take them back into government.
Adrian Wilkinson, Bracknell, Berkshire
If David Cameron was elected leader, I believe you not only have a leader, but a future prime minister with a vision and drive that will inspire the public. He can steer the Tory party back to success for the long term. He will inspire the youth on Conservative values, new and old.
Stephen Chadwick, Surrey
Cameron, Davis, Rifkind or Fox? All of these took the podium this week and had the air of a Tory party leader of late. The only man who didn't was Clarke - he had the presence of a Prime Minister. The question is, can the Conservative MPs put aside their neurotic phobia of Europe, and back a winning horse?
Andrew Baines, Preston
I believe David Davis will prevail and is the best candidate for prime minister. Whoever wins the leadership will lose the next general election because the electorate don't see the Tory Party as a viable government with realistic policies.
Andrew, London England
It's got to be David Cameron. He's young, charismatic and his speech might swing my vote to the Tories in the next election!
Tom Bazan, UK
It doesn't really matter who is the next Conservative leader. The party is well worn out now, I hate to admit it but Thatcher was the last "True Blue" leader.
W P Derbyshire , London UK
Who should be Tory leader? Not David Davis - he's a martyr to his background and consequently will be very unsympathetic. Go for David Cameron. I'm a non Tory voter by the way but have a genuine desire for the Tories to get it right as I'd like to have a choice.
Kathy Pearson, East Devon, UK Why doesn't the party listen to the public? Is that not whom they are supposedly representing? Ken Clarke, a man who can dander into a student union and have a pint and cigar. This is a leader in touch with the young person's vote.
Lewis, Belfast, NI
All of the candidates are yesterday's men. All are so out of touch with the average person on the street that it is laughable.
Keith Gee, Derby, UK
From here it is quite obvious that there is only one man who can have an impact and reduce Labour's hold on power - Ken Clarke. And, being much younger than our President, I would say two terms is well within the possible!
Nicholas, Paris, France
Ken Clarke is a dangerous loose cannon over EU. I am as yet undecided between Davis and Fox but lean slightly towards the latter for his views on EU. As far as election rules go, I fear the traditional "blue rinse" brigade who tend to view Clarke as a 'comfortable arm chair'. I incidentally am 63.
John Alesbury, Coventry, Warwickshire As a younger voter (I'm a student) I don't think the younger candidates particularly appeal. David Cameron still represents a sense of privilege that sets him apart from the general public. Ken Clarke is far more appealing, he communicates to all generations, he is popular with young people, and he gets my vote.
Kevin, Nottingham
David Davis should be the next Tory leader. He is the only one who is tune with the electorate. We need someone who is straight talking and understands what is going on in the street.
GA Gilmartin, Bristol, UK
Ken Clarke gave the best speech by a mile. And people recognise a real leader when they see one.
Simon, UK
I was expecting to be choosing between David Davis and Liam Fox but David Davis was very disappointing. I was very surprised by David Cameron, a bit soft left for me but I was very impressed by his performance. I am expecting to be a clear Fox fan unless he reaches the same substandard level that Davis did.
Kiv, Guildford
Not Davis. I could not walk tall with him as leader. My ideal is Cameron with Clarke as deputy. The perfect blend if they could work together.
Glyn Baker, Cranleigh, Surrey A question to all the contenders for the leadership of the Conservative Party: Should you fail to win your bid for the leadership would you serve in the Shadow Cabinet/Cabinet under your new leader and consolidate your views to provide a first class team or will you retire to the backbenches and sulk?
Sue Swift, St Helens South, UK
David Davis' performance today was pretty poor stuff. His delivery was as bad as IDS in places (and that's saying something). If he can't excite the party how will he convince the country? Are the Tories really going to elect another non-descript right winger?
Adrian, London
I am not a natural Tory voter, but David Cameron has certainly impressed me. I liked the future he talks about.
Michael Johnson, Grays, England
David Davis' speech was dull and uninspiring. We've been to a number of Conservative conferences, and his speech could have been a standard Conservative pot-boiler speech from any time in the last 30 years. Why he should be a front-runner is a mystery to us.
Michael and Mariel Simons, Ruislip, England
Davis will lead the Conservative Party into the abyss, Cameron is too young and will suffer the same fate as Hague, Fox cannot appeal to the general public, and Rifkind himself knows he cannot win. Clarke is by far our best option and, indeed, our only option to take back power from this damaging Labour Government.
Nicholas Devlin, Carlisle, England
Sir Malcolm Rifkind gave a brilliant positive speech, and hope he will lead the party forward. Good luck Sir Malcolm.
Eric and Mary Boswell, Southampton, Great Britain I just watched David Cameron's speech on the Daily Politics programme. I think he was inspiring, and exactly what the Tory Party are looking for, a young inspirational leader who can take the party forward and win votes.
Paul Brown, Basildon, Essex
It's simple. David Davies may be a clear leader in the running but he won't be voted in. Ken Clarke has popular support and has a better chance of actually winning an election. That's it and that's all.
Paul , Herts, UK
My ideal dream ticket; Dr Fox as leader, David Cameron as deputy and Osborne as chancellor, Theresa May as party chairman and David Davis continuing his role as home secretary, also bring back William Hague. This is a winning team.
Kris, Southend, UK
I hope Ken Clarke gets a chance. His anti-war stance and generally liberal tones would appeal to a number of disillusioned Labour voters.
Nigel Collins, Brighton, UK
As a lifelong Tory, the speech by David Cameron this morning was a breath of fresh air, and he will get my vote without having to listen to any other speeches.
June Cashmore, Dudley, England Having seen today's speech, it has to be David Cameron. But the Tory dinosaurs are bound to pick Clarke or Davis, regardless of what voters think.
Anne Evans, Hounslow, Middx
The Conservative Party needs to stop trying to dumb down to Labour standards, and remember that more people voted Tory in the last election than Labour in England. There are also many who didn't vote at all because the Conservatives were trying to mimic Labour. So return to proper Tory standards and let's have Malcolm Rifkind as our leader.
Katie, Beaconsfield, UK
The Tories have to accept that the old guard which includes in the average voter's minds Malcolm Rifkind, Ken Clarke and even David Davis will never win over the public. We need a fresh face and a young look to the party. They have to choose David Cameron or Liam Fox.
Rod, UK
Please let Francis Maude enter the race; his speech was breathtaking and this Labour stalwart would vote for him any day.
John Thompson, Chester, UK
Very lacklustre performance by David Davis. I hope he gets elected Tory leader; Tony or Gordon will eat him for breakfast.
Gerry Smith, Penicuik, Scotland Theresa May would in my view make a very good leader of the Conservative Party. Her debating skills are impressive and she shows she is truly in touch.
Doctor Rosaleen O`Brien, Luton, Beds
Cameron was far more convincing than Davis today. I'm not a natural Tory voter, but I'd be tempted if Cameron gets it. Davis would be a disaster. To most floating voters, he'll just look like the "same old Tory".
Finn, Bexley, England
There is no doubt that Malcolm Rifkind is the only candidate with both the gravitas and vision to lead the party to victory. He is the only experienced One Nation Eurosceptic on offer. He is the only candidate who could unite the party and is the only credible future Prime Minister. The alternative is oblivion.
Frank, Egham, Surrey
Ken Clarke is the only one who can pull it off for the Tories and bring some interest back into British politics. If the Tories choose anyone else, they will be doomed to lose the next election, even if Labour loses control of the economy.
John Tillisch, Barnet UK
I think David Davis is the only sensible choice. He is down to earth and has experience and charisma. I believe he will crack down on law and order and might get us out of the EU if we're lucky. Just hope they don't make another hash of our railways if they win, as they did last time.
Terry Chapman, Bewdley Worcestershire
My vote would be for Liam Fox. He is one of the few politicians who doesn't force me towards the off switch.
Rachel, Cheltenham
There is no point in choosing someone who appeals to diehard Conservatives. They will always vote Conservative. The new leader must be someone who will win back those who used to vote Conservative and did not at the last two elections. David Cameron could do it - a genuine fresh young moderniser. Just what's needed.
Richard Greaves, Banbury, Oxon Ken Clarke should be elected as leader. He will almost certainly bring the Conservatives back to power. He will only be PM for one term. Imagine he steps down after one term, Davis wins the second term and Cameron wins a third. It would be a 1950s winning streak again.
Gus Eldridge, Norwich
Only Ken Clarke is powerful enough to face Tony Blair or Gordon Brown across the dispatch box.
Annette Watkin, Tenby, Pembs
I would single out Sir Malcolm Rifkind as being the most able, Ken Clarke as having a very good rapport with the public, David Davis as being very reliable and steadfast, and Liam Fox as an excellent pragmatist. If David Cameron was prepared to listen, and learn from this sound, broad spectrum of experienced politicians, the Conservative Party could be the next government in power.
Jessie White, Forres, Scotland
| The only man who would cause me to change my vote is David Cameron |
I have voted Labour for some years now and the only man who would cause me to change my vote is David Cameron.
Joe, Blackpool Before today's addresses I would have considered myself a Ken Clarke supporter. However David Cameron impressed me so much with his speech that I now consider him the only person who can win our party the next election. Ken Clarke spoke too much about the past and the failures of the Blair government. He did not in my view say enough about where to take the party in the years to come, whereas David Cameron's speech was all about the future.
Mark Blanchfield, Stevenage
Ken Clarke is a natural born leader and is the only one to make up the massive distance the Conservatives need to cover to regain power. Come on Ken.
Henry Lloyd-Hughes, London
The Tory Party has to start at the beginning again with a completely new face as their leader and a completely new team behind him, not with yesterday men like Clarke, Rifkind, and Davies, I would give Cameron a chance, but even he will need to harden up to take on the likes of Blair and Brown.
Donald Slater, Leyland, England
What's all this rubbish that Ken can't appeal to younger voters? I'm 22 and most young Tories I've spoken to are adamant they want Ken. Come on people don't make yet another mistake. If we'd had Ken after John Major Blair would have been a one mandate PM.
A Stefanov, London
My man would definitely be Kenneth Clark, with Sir Malcolm Rifkind as a very good second. Mr Clarke would appeal to more people than any other candidate, while I feel Sir Malcolm is a very capable man with a very shrewd mind.
Wiebe Goossen, Deventer, The Netherlands
| Only Clarke still has the stomach for the fight |
The past seven years have shown us that the Conservatives need a Neil Kinnock figure; Reformer but not Prime Minister, to move the party towards the centre. Clarke, Portillo, Patten. Only Clarke still has the stomach for the fight. Instead the status quo will now elect another "Tory Boy". The country deserves better.
Daren, Oxford David Cameron is young, charismatic, presidential, credible, in-tune with the country and a genuine moderniser and intellectual heavyweight. No chance of my party voting for him, then.
Jonathan S-G, Bath, UK
I've always considered myself a Tory, but I doubt that I could bring myself to vote for them if Ken Clarke was the leader. The biggest deciding factor at the next election will be the state of the economy - which Labour is currently sending down the tubes.
Andrew, Cardiff, UK
Why does everyone assume that a party should change to win power? Democracy can only work when there are parties covering the entire political spectrum standing. We already have a centre-right government - we do not need a centre-right opposition as well. The Tories should remain a genuine right-wing party - if they are not elected for another twenty years that is because the country does not want a genuine right-wing government.
Martin Bradford, London, England
Ken Clarke is in touch with the real issues, education, health and the economy. He is less likely to be sidetracked by populist agendas such as immigration quotas and the EU where the Tory stance to right is making them increasingly unpopular with business.
Adam, Stoke on Trent, UK
| I can't think of anyone who could lead the Conservative Party to a higher landslide victory than me |
I'd like support from the British People to vote for me. In fact after deep thought and reflection I can't think of anyone who could lead the Conservative Party to a higher landslide victory than me. Unfortunately I'm not a Tory MP but I'm sure if requested I would take up my seat. I challenge anyone even the mighty Mr Humphrey's to penetrate my urbane exterior and find a single weakness. The Tories under my leadership would emerge blinking into the bright light of a new dawn and the people of this country, the peoples of this country would be safer, healthier, better educated and more prosperous than ever before. Vote for me I say and leave these laggards behind in yesterday's dreams.
Nick Grant, Horsham, UK I am a 17-year-old Conservative Party member and seriously consider that the only candidate that can attract the voters is Ken Clarke. I am a eurosceptic and am stuck between getting the Tories back into government or having a leader who acts in the opposite way to my views.
Paul Holmes, Bellinham, London
As a young Conservative voter, I feel the Conservatives in the coming weeks face a choice once again between going one step forward or two steps back towards power. They must elect a strong figure who can both represent and reflect the party internally and attract externally the swing voters we desperately need to return to power. Politics today is about charisma, personality and intellect. And for me Ken Clarke delivers on all three counts, while David Davies fails on all three. My dream ticket Ken Clarke leader and David Cameron his deputy.
Ronan O'Rooke, Birmingham
Not particularly impressed by any of them I'm afraid. Where is the leader who is willing to take on the mammoth task of making us all proud to be British again?
Nick Lee, Windsor, UK
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