Iain Duncan Smith

Iain Duncan Smith is a former member of the Scots Guards who saw active service in Northern Ireland. His Thatcherite eurosceptic views put him in tune with his party but critics say he lacks charisma.

 Click here for a profile of Iain Duncan Smith

13 September 2001
Iain Duncan Smith wins leadership

Iain Duncan Smith after winning the Tory leadership

Iain Duncan Smith won the leadership battle, gaining 61% of party members' votes to Ken Clarke's 39%. In his acceptance speech he pledged to stand alongside the US against terrorism.

 The BBC's Mark Mardell reports

 Iain Duncan Smith's acceptance speech

 Ken Clarke concedes

20 August 2001
Manifesto launch

Ken Clarke and Iain Duncan Smith

Iain Duncan Smith launched his manifesto in the battle to win over the party membership. After a vote by Conservative MPs in which Michael Portillo was eliminated, only Ken Clarke and Duncan Smith remained in the contest.

 Iain Duncan Smith's manifesto launch

26 June 2001
Campaign launch

Ranbir Singh Guri and Iain Duncan Smith

Iain Duncan Smith stepped in to the leadership contest saying the Conservative Party needed to broaden its appeal if it was to win power from Labour and that he would include pro-Europeans in his cabinet.

 Click here for Iain Duncan Smith's campaign launch

 The BBC's John Pienaar reports