THE THREE-CORNERED FIGHT FOR ALAN CLARK'S CONSTITUENCY

Peter Hitchens, 49

Qualification for the job: probably the most determined Blair-baiter in Britain

Ideological stance: seems to hate everything about modern Britain

Odds: 12/1

Success rating: outsider

Michael Portillo, 46

Qualification for the job: former defence secretary, darling of the Right

Ideological stance: mixes arch-Euroscepticism with a new caring side

Odds: 2/1

Success rating: hot favourite

Rupert Allason, 47

Qualification for the job: persuaded Torbay constituents to elect him not once, but twice

Ideological stance: seen as a Eurosceptic

Odds: 10/1

Success rating: too spivvish