 Goodbye Tory leadership, and hello to a new career? |
As Michael Howard looks increasingly certain to become the next Tory leader, Iain Duncan Smith has said he is looking forward to pursuing his dream of becoming a writer.
In his first interview since losing his job, the former leader told the Daily Telegraph he wished to "move on" and enjoy the positive benefits of not being leader of the opposition.
Mr Duncan Smith has already written one novel, a thriller, but said he was "not making any great claims" to being a talented writer.
Meanwhile Mr Howard was also facing the prospect of a new role, after former chancellor Ken Clarke confirmed he would not challenge him for the leadership job.
Frontrunner
He and Mr Howard had met for talks at Westminster on Thursday evening.
 | BACKING HOWARD Stephen Dorrell
Ex-health secretary Liam Fox
Shadow health secretary Oliver Letwin
Shadow home secretary David Davis
Shadow deputy prime minister Michael Ancram
Shadow foreign secretary Tim Yeo
Shadow trade secretary Michael Portillo
Ex-defence secretary |
Mr Duncan Smith told the Telegraph the job of opposition leader "brings you no rewards and no pleasure" other than the chance to form a government.
He said he was "disappointed" the result of Wednesday's confidence vote took away that chance for him, but said he would "never look back".
He said after making his resignation speech he went out for a meal with his wife, for the first time in a long time.
With nominations for the leadership closing on Thursday, Mr Howard is the frontrunner to succeed Mr Duncan Smith.
So far he is the only candidate in the contest.
In their talks, Mr Clarke is understood to have sought clarification on the ex-home secretary's plans.
Broaden appeal
On Friday, he said: "All my friends know I am not minded to stand again.
|  I'm not going to give up any other of my bad habits but coming second in Conservative leadership elections is something I don't intend to do  |
"I'm not going to give up any other of my bad habits but coming second in Conservative leadership elections is something I don't intend to do.
Mr Clarke said he looked forward to supporting Mr Howard, his friend since they were at Cambridge University together in the 1960s, if he became leader.
"I particularly welcome what Michael said about leading from the centre and I hope to see that put into practice," he said.
He argued the party had "lurched too far to the right" in opposition and he was pleased Mr Howard wanted to broaden the party's appeal.
He revealed he had voted against Mr Duncan Smith in Wednesday's confidence vote, but said he had played no part in organising his downfall.
Despite his warm comments, he ruled out joining a Howard shadow cabinet.
In an interview to be broadcast on Sunday, Mr Clarke told BBC News 24's Head to Head programme the media would continually try to find differences between him and Mr Howard if he returned to the front bench.
'Turning point'
Mr Howard said he looked forward to working with Mr Clarke to help bring the Conservatives to office.
| WHAT NEXT? Nominations now open for leadership race 6 November: Nominations close 11 November: First leadership ballot of MPs Iain Duncan Smith remains caretaker leader until successor chosen |
Among other leading Tories to have declared they will not stand against Mr Howard are shadow deputy prime minister David Davis, shadow trade secretary Tim Yeo and shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram.
Former cabinet minister John Redwood has also said he will not put himself forward.
Party chairman Theresa May has also ruled herself out, according to her office.
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