Outsider David Davis was today poised to declare his challenge for the leadership of the Tory party.
Supporters of the York-born MP said Mr Davis would formally launch his bid to succeed William Hague at a mid-morning press conference at Carlton House terrace, in Central London. His declaration was expected to follow that of fellow right-winger Iain
Duncan Smith, the Shadow Defence Secretary.
Mr Davis, the MP for Haltemprice and Howden, was today described as offering the Tory party a "clean break". His campaign manager, David Maclean, pointed to Mr Davis' background as a successful businessman and his chairmanship of the powerful Commons Public Accounts Committee.
He also hailed the candidate's "family background" - seen as a reference to Mr Portillo's revelations of his past homosexuality. Mr Maclean said: "All of those things, in my opinion, give him an advantage. He will be a clean break."
Updated: 11:08 Tuesday, June 19, 2001
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