Ancram 'will enter Tory race'

Ancram is being urged to try to succeed Hague

Conservative Party chairman Michael Ancram will stand for the Tory leadership, the BBC has been told.

Mr Ancram, the MP for Devizes in Wiltshire, is expected to make a formal statement confirming his leadership challenge on Thursday afternoon.

He was said to have been approached by some senior members of the constituency parties to replace William Hague.

One former cabinet minister earlier told the BBC he would not be surprised if Mr Ancram did run, especially if former chancellor Kenneth Clarke does not declare.

Michael Ancram is by some way the best candidate to bring the whole party together

Crispin Blunt
MP for Reigate

Those who have spoken to Mr Ancram say he has expressed concern that none of the candidates is talking about "values", which he says were the reason he entered politics.

Crispin Blunt MP, a supporter of Mr Ancram, told the BBC: "In our view Michael Ancram is by some way the best candidate to bring the whole party together.

"To represent all wings of the Parliamentary party, but to represent the views of the voluntary party as well, and the best face for the Conservative Party."

Reforms

As party chairman Mr Ancram was involved in promoting the reforms which will make this the first leadership contest in which the party members have a vote.

They will choose from the final two candidates who emerge from the ballot of MPs.

Some commentators believe that as a key architect of those reforms, Mr Ancram may be keen to ensure the whole spectrum of Tory views is represented.

BBC political correspondent Shaun Ley said if Mr Clarke did not stand, Mr Ancram would be under more pressure to throw his hat into the ring, possibly as a caretaker leader.

Grass roots tours

Mr Ancram's role in the party mean he is one of the Tory frontbenchers who the ordinary members outside London know best - especially now Ann Widdecombe has pulled out of the contest.

During the last parliament, he was one of the shadow cabinet ministers whose job it was to tour the country and encourage grass roots activists.

According to BBC correspondents, the parliamentary tearooms had been abuzz with rumours that Mr Ancram might say in the next few days he is standing.

So far, Michael Portillo, Iain Duncan Smith and David Davis have declared their candidatures.

Mr Clarke is currently abroad - birdwatching in Vietnam - considering his position and is thought likely to announce his decision early next week.

Shadow chancellor Mr Portillo remains the frontrunner and is due to appear before about 150 supporters at a London restaurant on Thursday.

Two well-known but yet to be revealed figures are expected to speak in his support before Mr Portillo himself outlines more of his manifesto for the party.