Tory hustings dates unveiled

The Conservative Party is organising a series of hustings around Britain to help members make their final decision in the leadership election.

Both Iain Duncan Smith and Ken Clarke will appear at all eight regional rallies ahead of the final ballot.

The result of the votes cast by the 300,000 Tory members will be announced on 12 September.

David Prior, acting party chairman and chief executive, said: "These hustings will give members of the Conservative Party a chance to assess the qualities of the two contenders at first hand and make an informed choice.

"I am delighted we have been able to arrange these hustings and I hope as many members as possible will take the opportunity to attend a meeting before casting their votes."

Nationwide series

The series of debates is being held between 22 August and 7 September - just four days before the leadership ballot closes on 11 September.

They are open only to party members and not to the media or general public.

The venues are:

22 August Emmanuel Centre, Marsham Street, Westminster at 1300 BST.

24 August The Burgess Hall, St Ivo Recreation Centre, Westwood Road, St Ives, Cambridge at 1915 BST.

28 August The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Cheltenham at 1900 BST.

29 August The Hawth Theatre, Hawth Avenue, Crawley at 1900 BST.

3 September The Guildhall, Armada Way, Plymouth at 1900 BST.

4 September Stockport Town Hall, Wellington Road South, Stockport at 1900 BST.

6 September Tregonwell Hall, Bournemouth International Conference Centre at 1900 BST.

7 September Harrogate Grammar School, Arthur Avenue, Harrogate at 1900 BST.