Tory leader's pledge to Howard

Mr Duncan Smith: Heading for the backbenches?

Iain Duncan Smith has pledged his "100% support" for Michael Howard if he succeeds him on Thursday.

Mr Duncan Smith told the last meeting of his shadow cabinet there would be no "carping from the sidelines" once a new leader is chosen.

Lord Strathclyde, Tory leader in the Lords, led tributes to Mr Duncan Smith at the 10-15 minute gathering.

Earlier, Tony Blair wished him well as he made what is expected to be his last Commons appearance as leader.

Well wishers

On Wednesday night, former home secretary Mr Howard was the only person to put their name forward to succeed Mr Duncan Smith.

Mr Howard remains unopposed for the Tory leadership

It means he will become leader unless another candidate emerges before noon on Thursday.

Mr Duncan Smith was ousted as leader in a confidence vote last week.

At Prime Minister's question time, Mr Blair told him: "Whatever our differences, and there have been a few, I wish you well in the future."

It was a sentiment echoed by Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy.

King for a day

Sir Michel Spicer, chairman of the backbench 1922 committee, looks set to proclaim Mr Howard the only valid nomination for the top job.

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 Profile: Michael Howard

He has already said he will seek the endorsement of the whole party in a vote of grass roots members - but if he is the only candidate, he will become leader of his party as of right.

Tory MPs expect Mr Howard to make his acceptance speech on Thursday afternoon, but he may delay for some days his appointment of a new shadow team.

The ex-home secretary has said he has no illusions about the size of the task he faces if elected.

Legacy

Earlier this week, he stressed: "We have got a long, hard slog to convince people we can serve them better than the present discredited government," he said on Tuesday.

At the shadow cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Lord Strathclyde said Mr Duncan Smith had left a legacy of an impressive policy programme and had changed the way the party selected its candidates.

A highlight of his time was a personal campaign to help disadvantaged people.

Mr Duncan Smith, whose first novel The Devil's Tune is set to be published this week, said it was his belief the party could now be brought together and take the fight to a "failing Labour government".

The shadow cabinet ended the meeting with a ritual banging of the table to express their support for him.

Certain

A poll in the Independent newspaper has suggested that despite discontent over Mr Duncan Smith, the prospect of Mr Howard leading the Tories had not boosted their support.

The Mori poll indicated a six-point lead for Labour over the Tories in a survey of people who say they are certain to vote in the next general election.

A similar poll just a week ago - before Mr Duncan Smith was deposed in a confidence vote of Tory MPs - gave Labour a three point lead.

The latest version suggested twice the number of those questioned - 30% - saw Mr Howard as ready to be prime minister compared to Mr Duncan Smith who polled 16%.

According to Mori, Labour's rating is currently 38% with the Conservatives on 32% and the Lib Dems on 25%.

Mori's survey questioned 1,005 adults the day after Mr Howard announced he was running for leader.