Michael Portillo

He's got style, he's got panache, he's even got a full head of hair.

Internal links

Clarke takes the high-risk route

Europhile Clarke enters Tory leadership contest

How the support is lining up

Michael Ancram

David Davis

Iain Duncan Smith

Kenneth Clarke

Steve Richards: He may be the best man, but Mr Clarke is wrong to stand

Leading article: A simple plan - pick the person who plays best at the box office

Supporters:
With 13 members of the Shadow Cabinet and around 19 other MPs already backing him, can deservedly be called the front-runner. Commands support on the left and the right.

Best soundbite:
"The Conservative Party that I would like to lead would extend a welcome to everyone living in Britain. We will be a party in favour of people rather than against them."

X-appeal:
He's got style, he's got panache, he's even got a full head of hair. By offering a fundamental review of policy, he could do a Tony Blair and drag his party into the 21st century.

Business interests:
Adviser on international affairs to Kerr-McGee Corporation, a US oil and chemicals giant; International strategic adviser to the Probyn Group.

Can he win?
Clearly on course to win the most MPs in the Parliamentary party and likely to win Clarke votes should big Ken be forced out of the ballot. But can he win among party members?