How will Ken Clarke's decision to stand affect the Tory leadership race?
Mr Clarke has attacked Tony Blair's "catastrophic error" over the Iraq war in the first speech of his campaign for the leadership of the Conservative Party.
He has stood in leadership races against William Hague and Iain Duncan Smith but did not go head to head with Michael Howard in 2003.
What do you think of Ken Clarke's decision? What affect will his comments on the Iraq war have on his campaign? Who else do you think has a chance at leadership?
This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.
The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received so far:
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Try a One nation Conservative in the shape of Ken Clarke
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Message to all Tory members and so-called supporters. The right wingers have had their day and failed. Try a One nation Conservative in the shape of Ken Clarke.
Jim, Doncaster If Ken Clarke had been elected last time, then the outcome of the last election would have been very different. As it was, the Tories are in the backwater for another four to five years. If they elect the wrong man this time, I fear that they will be forever regarded as the spent force, and ripe for the Lib Dems to take over. I just hope that Clarke is elected.
Tim Ruggles, Cheshunt, Herts
It's sobering to reflect that, if it had been left to the Conservative Party, Churchill would never have become prime minister. I fear the Tories still haven't learnt that lesson, almost 70 years on.
Mark, Nottingham, UK
If he wins and I'm sure he will, I can't wait for the bench thumping bruiser to knock out Brown and Blair at the despatch box. Come on Tories, vote for a winner and a clear public favourite.
PBR, New York
I personally feel that it is a good decision for Ken Clarke to stand for leadership of the conservative party. I feel though his criticism of Tony Blair over Iraq was wrong.
Darren Ewen, Swindon, England
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Why would anyone believe this particular leopard has changed its spots?
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Why would anyone believe this particular leopard has changed its spots? He's been pro-EU, pro-euro, pro-constitution for many years. A couple of quick speeches saying he's changed his mind just show him as two-faced and power hungry. If by some mischance he wins the leadership race I'll not vote Conservative again while he's leader.
John R Smith, UK I don't understand all these Tories who would rather put up with a Labour government than have Conservative government led by a pro-European. Last time I checked we're a part of the EU anyway - Labour won't change that, nor will Clarke.
Matt, London
Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are shaking in their boots at the thought of Ken Clarke leading the Tory party because he appeals to the same people that have given them three successive majorities. To be electable, the Tories will have to do as Labour party members did, and vote for a leader who is closer to the political centre ground - Clarke is that man. The "clear blue water" strategy hasn't worked.
Steven Clapcote, Toronto, Canada
If Ken Clarke wins it will split the Tory party for the next two decades. His stance on the EU and the euro are at odds with most of the grass root Tories. His stance now is just political opportunism.
Peter Barnes, Salford, England
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He is the only person who is able to bring the direction and leadership to the party
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I hope it will result in him being elected leader. He is the only person who is able to bring the direction and leadership to the party that it badly needs. He is the only person who will be able to mount a serious challenge to Labour. Good luck Ken, you have my vote.
Bob Forester, Banbury
Is there nothing he won't do to get power? Staunchly for Europe, now when he thinks he can get power, he is anti-Europe. I, for one, do not believe he has changed his views.
John Graves, Telford, England
I think Ken Clarke would provide credible opposition to Blair/Brown at the next election. I don't understand why the Tories must find a new and energetic 30- or 40- something to led the party, they need a credible candidate who can routinely score points against the government. Clarke can run rings around the 'youngsters' on the government benches so he should have his turn. If he gets in, the next election will be properly contested by the Conservative Party.
Phil Cornthwaite, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Thank God that Ken Clarke is running for leader. Like many Tories I have sat back in complete despair in recent years at what has happened to the Conservatives.
Andrew Gardner, Wellingborough, UK
We just do not want or need Ken Clarke as the next Tory leader. He is far too old, and out of touch. I hope David Davies is elected, he would be far better!
Antony Forst, Stoke on Trent UK
I am Liberal Democrat by instinct, but Ken Clarke strikes me very much as being a good solid one nation Tory- he is the only Tory I would vote for.
Paul, London
Regardless of his age, Ken Clarke is the one Tory with the common sense and independence of mind to really appeal to the uncommitted in this country, of which there are many. If the Tories elect another right wing leader then Labour will sail to a 4th term, not because the nation loves them but because they will be seen as the lesser of two evils.
Brian Fargher, Birmingham, UK
Ken Clarke is the man for the job, he was last time and the time before. The people who say he is too old are wrong. We need a knowledgeable person who has "been their and got the cardigan" to paraphrase. We need wisdom and that comes with age. Tony Blair was young and as befits someone of his age - no wisdom - no cardigan - not even a t-shirt. Other countries admire and listen to older people, they understand it is only with experience of life comes the wisdom. So vote for Ken Clarke and bring the respect back into politics.
Sandra Warde, Stockport
It seem strange to me that some dismiss Clarke as being too old to lead when he is still younger than the average Tory party member.
John Lawrence, Southampton, UK
All this talk of Clarke being too old is ridiculous. Churchill was the same age when he led Britain through World War Two. As a 26 year old disillusioned Labour voter I for one would certainly vote for a Clarke led Conservative Government. This is the real brain behind Britain's economic success not Brown. Please Conservative members, do Britain a favour, elect Clarke so that finally we can have a real alternative to Labour. I believe firmly that had Clarke been elected last time, Blair and co. would not be in power right now.
Philip Prise, Aberdeen, Scotland
Ken Clarke is yesterday's man. He was the man to lead the party when they selected Hague and Ian Duncan Smith. The electorate at the next general elections will be very different from the electorate 8 years ago.
I'm a floating voter and I've voted for all three leading parties in my time, but I have to say that if the Tories elect Clarke as leader, they will secure my vote for the next election. I suspect however that they won't. Politicians with credibility, integrity and honesty such as Charles Clarke never seem to get the top jobs.
Barry, London, UK
At last! I'd back Clarke any day of the week! We need someone to lead the country who isn't afraid to say it how it is. You have to break a few eggs to make an omelette, and we can no longer afford to tip-toe around the real issues like terror, crime and immigration because of some people's sensitivity and because of political correctness.
Paul Hartley, Nottingham, UK
Doubt he will win as it would be the most sensible thing the Tory's have done in a decade. It could get them elected!!!
Sandy Hall, Stirling, Scotland
Ken Clarke is the only candidate who could win an election for the Tories. It's that simple.
Peter, London
Ken Clarke is the only realistic alternative to Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. If the Tories wish to return from the political wilderness then they should choose him. He is the only one that would persuade me to vote Tory.
Ian, Coventry, UK
Oh ye Tory faithful, you made the mistake twice. Don't make the same mistake again. I a disillusioned Labour supporter will find no hesitation in voting for a Tory party led by Ken Clarke who for me is more left leaning than Tony Blair. Tony Blair has presided over a Labour Party which has ruined many people's aspirations of a better future. Not to mention the chaos and havoc Tony Blair has unleashed in Iraq and the effect this has had on international terror. Gordon Brown is also tainted by Tony Blair's nasty neo-con policies, so Ken Clarke will be a refreshing change. Bring him on quickly so he can get on with giving Labour a bloody nose.
YK, UK
The choice for the Tories is straight forward, but not simple: pick Ken and become electable or remain truer to the opinions of the grass roots of the party.
Onisillos Sekkides, London, UK
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Kenneth Clark is just another remnant of the past
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Kenneth Clark is just another remnant of the past. A new more youthful leader is needed. Can't the Tories find a more trust worthy conservative version of Tony Blair?
Lincoln Jon, Australia
How sad, like the Tory image he's too worn and outdated. I cannot honestly think of any of their party who could inject any enthusiasm to woo the voters (who are getting younger each election)!
Tim McMahon, Pennar/Wales
As a neutral myself I believe Ken Clarke has a strong ministerial presence. I think most of the population would place confidence in his statesmanship if he were to be the next Prime Minister. I've met him in a very ordinary way and he expressed an interest in who I was and what I did and this was not during the run up to an election or solicited. Outside of political opinion, I think he's a genuinely personable individual and deserves to be given the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.
Nick Smith, Dartmouth, UK
Another victory for the labour party!!
Ian, London
The majority of Britons opposed the invasion of Iraq from the beginning. Did Ken Clark? His speech was not for his leadership campaign, it was his first speech to the people. It does not matter who is in power, Britain will be dragged into any conflict that America chooses. Has Ken Clark got the guts to tell the USA where to go, next time they feel trigger happy? I doubt it.
Mark Grogan, Liverpool, England
I do not want the Tories back in power but I do want some viable opposition to create the check and balance against a dominant government. Ken Clarke is the only Tory I've any time for! He's a level-headed bloke who doesn't spout hot air but instead talks a lot of common sense. Get Clarke in as Tory Leader and for pity's sake rein in President Blair!
Colin, Portsmouth, UK
Ken Clarke's has had his day. He remains pro-European, all that has changed is the economic conditions around the euro. He is still a subscriber to the 'euro dream' (nightmare). David Davis is the Tories best hope, he is normal for heaven's sake and that's what we northern Tories need. Someone who came from a normal working class background and has the sort of common sense views that the vast majority of people share.
Andrew, Hull, Yorkshire
He is this generation's Churchill. If he fails to win the leadership then the Conservative party will be in freefall and that is no exaggeration. It is not youth or grey men that the party needs - it needs a life and soul transplant urgently.
R, UK
I'm somebody who after the Thatcher and Major years would never vote Tory on principle but Clarke may make me stop and think before voting for one of the other main parties. I think he may be to pro-big business.
Andy, Wirral
Kenneth Clarke has about as much chance of being made leader, as I have getting my comments posted on here. Hard luck Ken.
Jez, Durham
The only really credible contender that has any experience of running a country. If he managed to win an election and became PM, at least he would reverse some of the damage and harm that Blair has done to us and to people across the planet. The conservatives will only get my vote if Ken is elected leader, the rest are just Blair shadows.
Ian Watson, United Kingdom
When Tony Blair was proved wrong over the EU constitution, he did his absolute best to avoid taking any criticism for it. When Ken Clarke was proved wrong over the Euro, he admitted it. He is one of a dying breed of politicians - even if you don't agree with his politics, at least the man is honest which is more than I can say for the top brass in either party.
David Russell, Glasgow, Scotland
I have always voted labour in the past but will not vote labour next time. Whether I vote at all or vote Tory will depend on whether Ken Clarke is elected leader. I won't give my vote to any other Tory as Ken Clarke is the only one I trust to have any common sense.
Andy Ellis, Bristol UK
After Clarke's comments about the Iraq war and terrorism, I've concluded that he's just out of touch. And that's without my worries on his links with tobacco and his views on Europe.
Robin Davies, Carmarthen, Wales
Are the Tories deliberately seeking leadership candidates from Saga? Hague, IDS, Howard - the facts speak for themselves - this course is one to failure. There must be a charismatic, young, intelligent Tory out there who can step up and steer the Tories into the 21st century?
Mark, London / New York
At last the disenfranchised majority who opposed the Iraq debacle may have a spokesman who, with a bit of luck will bring down Blair's' dictatorship.
Mark, Wigan UK
Ken Clarke may have made a good leader 20 years ago but it's too late for him now. He has already lost two elections for leader so doesn't he get the message? The Tory party has to get rid of its fuddy-duddy image and electing a leader who is nearly 70 will not help.
Paul Boundy, Dorchester, Dorset
I'm a staunch Labour supporter and Ken Clarke is the only Tory I have any time for. He was the only decent Chancellor the Tories had in their 18 years of mis-rule. And he is one of the few with enough sense to see that the UK is actually in Europe and not 3,000 miles away across the Atlantic with the USA.
D. Burton, Birmingham
If Clarke led the Tories to victory in 2009, he would only be a 'caretaker' PM, serving only 1 term and laying the ground for a younger successor. That strategy could backfire at the following election and lead to Labour winning again in 2013. Do the Tories want to get in for only 4 years, or do they want another 13 year stint?
Tim, Gillingham, UK
If Ken had been elected leader 8 years ago Blair would not be in government now. Britain desperately needs a strong opposition and Ken is the only choice for Conservative leader. Sadly I predict he will not get in, the Tories will be confined to an indefinite period in the wilderness and it will be entirely self-inflicted and well deserved. Hopefully the Lib Dems will rise to the challenge and fill the void.
Phil, Birmingham
Clarke cannot win; he has alienated too many people from all sections of the party. All his candidacy will do is draw votes away from more promising centrist candidates, so ensuring another victory for a hard right-winger blindly determined to just rehash the already failed policies of Duncan Smith and Howard and keeping the Tories in the political wilderness for another two terms at least. As so often in the past, Ken puts his overweening personal ambition ahead of the interests of the party; this time the damage done may be irreparable.
Daniel Kitto, Norwich, UK
I'm 24 and I'd vote for him. His age is of no consequence; we've had older leaders before, and in any case, being 65-70 years old today is very different to being 65-70 a few decades ago. He's an honest, straight-talking alternative to the Labour spin.
Stephen, London, UK
If the Conservative Party have any sense then they will vote Ken in as leader. Years of being rudderless and un-dynamic in leadership haven't been helped by the loss of the only other charismatic figure in the party in Boris Johnson. I think Ken's recent remarks concerning the euro and Europe have been sensible because the political and economic landscape has changed now. Good luck to Ken and here's hoping for some strong opposition to a poor and misguided Government!
Tammy Fevrier, North London
Conservative Party members were roundly criticised for their lack of judgment in electing the predictably hopeless Ian Duncan Smith as leader. Actually, we didn't - we voted against Kenneth Clarke. We just weren't offered a feasible alternative candidate by the bone-headed MPs. We would do exactly the same again - we would sooner vote for Beelzebub than Clarke. We would even be prepared to see the Conservative Party spend another 5 (or more) years in the wilderness, rather than vote for him. Why? Simple answer - Europe.
David, Oxford
If people haven't got any problems with John Prescott's two Jaguars, they also should not have any problems with Ken Clark's cigars or his interest in the tobacco industry. Cigarettes are still the poor man's pleasure which is highlighted by the current campaign to disallow smoking in public places. Also the tobacco industry creates a lot of jobs and contributes substantial amounts in taxes to the exchequer.
Dagmar, London, UK
I have never voted Tory and in all likelihood never will. However, it doesn't take a genius to work out that if they elect a leader to appeal to the party roots then they will not regain power in the foreseeable future, therefore I would see Ken Clarke as a viable leader in order for the nation to have a real opposition party.
Neil, London, UK
Politics is all about personalities - policies come second. Ken has the charisma and natural leadership skills to win the next election, and give Messrs Blair and Brown a run for their money from here on in.
Bill Saunders, Truro, UK
Unfortunately Ken Clarke's election would be too late. The Tories would be in better shape if he'd beaten William Hague or IDS. The Tories problem is that New Labour have stolen a lot of their policies and have raised taxes by stealth rather than their previous direct methods. However, once Blair goes Gordon Brown will reveal his true left wing colours and lose the next election whoever is Tory leader.
Roger, Stockport, England
Ken is the only man that can lead the Tories to victory - they certainly have my vote if he wins. When will Tory grassroots wake up and see that Ken is the only man that take them to power!
John Jellema,
Ken Clarke is the man for the job. Many people have said this before. Ken is the man who can stop Britain descending into a nightmare scene from a George Orwell novel and undo some of the harm that Blair has stricken our country with. Not to mention the numerous white elephants the loony left still have in store for us. Go get 'em, Ken!
Andy Bird, Cheshire, UK
He has a good chance of leadership simply because (for a change) people actually know who he is.
Ali, Glasgow
Gladstone was 82 when he became prime minister for the final time, Palmerston did not become PM until the age of 71 and was then re-elected at the age of 75, Churchill resigned at 81, Disraeli became PM for the final time aged 69 - Maybe the older the greater!
Nicholas M, London
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The Tories must start thinking about who is the best candidate to reverse the country's flagging fortunes
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Clark is too much yesterday's man. I doubt his health would stand up to the demands of the top job. Also, he's more of a management figure, good at running the economy, but in today's Britain the biggest problems are crime, violence and this culture of hooliganism that pervades everything. The Tories must start thinking about who is the best candidate to reverse the country's flagging fortunes, rather than their own.
Gabriel Hershman, Lisbon
I am so disappointed that we are living in the past. I was hoping for a younger and vibrant forward thinking leader. We might as well stay with Michael Howard and save all the cut and thrust. If we are frightened of new faces then bring back William Hague!
Pam, UK
At last - the Tories may come to their senses and give us an opposition and maybe a government!
R Chapman, London UK
As an ex labour party member I had hoped for a Clarke/Portillo ticket at the last election, which I would have voted for. Age should not be a boundary and I would definitely vote for Ken in the next election over Blair/Brown or Kennedy who want to tax child free citizens to the point of poverty. Europeans covet age and wisdom, would we rather have a 50 year old Bush clone or a 65 year old Ken Clarke?
Neil, Chertsey UK
No chance! He is just as out of touch as all the rest of the Tories! He certainly will not appeal to existing Labour voters nor the youngsters! If they are to stand any chance of getting back into power, they need to elect someone much younger to lead them!
Debbie Scott, Dover, Kent, England
If Ken Clarke becomes Tory leader then they will lose me as a voter and supporter. He is too old and a leopard doesn't change its spots over Europe.
Brian Stephen, Aberdeen, UK
I am a young voter - only twice registered preference in a general election and voted Labour on both occasions. The Tory party has never even registered on my radar when considering votes. Unlike the majority of Tory MPs however there is something of the right about Ken and he commands the respect of the working classes in a way that no other Tory MP does. He's an oldie but nevertheless appeals to the younger audience that at the moment it just doesn't touch.
Keith, London
Ken Clarke is the best hope for the Conservative party. His immense experience and Commons performances are sorely missed. Forget Europe for the moment, let's concentrate on getting into power.
Dennis Fyfe, Derby, England
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People who question Ken's age only do so because they are unable to question his record
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As a Conservative activist in their mid twenties I have been dismayed by all the negative campaigning the Davis and Cameron camps have indulged in over Ken Clarke's age. Ken's appeal to voters is based on his extensive experience of both government and business, his reputation as a politician of principle and his refreshingly unspun personal style. So far those who mutter and moan about a Clarke leadership bid have failed to produce any kind of credible polling which shows the former Chancellor's age is an issue for anyone outside of the magic circle of acolytes around David Cameron. People who question Ken's age only do so because they are unable to question his record, character or appeal. For David Cameron it has now become a case of when, not if, he should withdraw from the contest. Ken for Number 10!
James, London, UK
The Tories must be barking mad if they think this man can lead the party to an election victory. I don't understand how it is the opinion polls put him in the lead - he was part of the cabinet that nearly busted us and he proposed measures that might have ruined the country further. Frankly his licence to practice politics should be withdrawn.
Jeremy Spencer, Shifnal, Shropshire, UK
If Ken Clarke is not elected by his fellow MP's due to his age, could he sue them under the new Age Discrimination Act?
Ian, Marlow UK
He is the best man for the job, unless William Hague wants to stand again
Dave, Manchester
I am a life long Conservative voter and have worked hard to get my local conservative MP elected at each election. However if Ken Clarke becomes leader I - and I suspect tens of thousands of other Conservatives - will no longer support the party. He does not stand for the sort of values and the sort of Britain I believe in and will only fracture the party and make it permanently unelectable.
Richard Tyndall, Newark, England
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I think people will welcome a straight talking man as Tory leader
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I think Ken Clarke is the ideal candidate. Far from wanting more youthful, media - focused heavily styled politics. I think people will welcome a straight talking man as Tory leader. The contrast between him and the choreographed leadership of Blair and Brown will make Ken feel like a breath of fresh air. The Tories need to offer this alternative to Labour spin. If they decide instead to focus on media presentation and youth they'll just end up being a pale imitation of new Labour. And this is what even Labour voters are sick to the back teeth of!
Bob, Winchester
Just when I thought it might be safe to vote Tory, along comes another one of Thatcher's old boys. Is this as good as it gets, God help us. Gordon Brown must be so happy.
Marcello Ramasso, Kings Lynn UK
I do hope the Tories have the good sense to pick Ken Clarke. He is the only candidate that is electable. David Davies is far too right wing (reminiscent of IDS) and will not reach beyond the core vote. David Cameron is not yet experienced enough (reminiscent of William Hague), Brown would make mincemeat of him. I am sincerely hoping for a Clarke/Cameron dream ticket to boot out this awful Government.
Carl, Cambridge
He is from the last generation of discredited Tory politicians. If the Tories want to be electable they need a fresh start with a young leader - something similar to what Labour did with Blair and a creating a break with past associations. If Clarke wins then Labour will win a fourth term
Tony, Cardiff
Ken Clarke has a proven record. He was a reformer at the department of health and a very solid chancellor; let's not forget that Gordon Brown inherited a very strong economy thanks largely to Ken Clarke. His Achilles Heel has always been Europe but like all great politicians he is listening to the people. The Euro has been unpopular on the mainland and the fiasco over the constitution is making people question more "pro-European" arguments. I fancy it will be harder for him to win the party than to win the country but should he succeed the Labour party will have a real fight on their hands.
Michael Murphy, Le Marche, Italy
I've always voted Conservative, but if Clarke is the candidate at the next General Election, I won't be voting at all. I refuse to vote Labour or Lib Dem - but I will not give my vote to this man.
Christy, Newcastle, UK
I am a Labour Party member but I would look forward to PMQs with Ken Clarke and Tony Blair. The Pope started at the age of 78 and Nelson Mandela was released from prison at the age of 71. Ken is a young bloke.
Richard Sloan, Castleford, West Yorkshire
Ken Clarke is refreshingly unlike Blair - better a mature, overweight cigar smoker than a bouffant haired poser with an electric guitar! But what is his real position on Europe? We need someone to lead this country, not relinquish control to the EU.
Ian, Kent
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Probably the right man for the job, probably the wrong man for the part
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Ken Clark is much more your average "bloke" than lots of other Tories I could mention. However, he'd probably be willing and able to help the European mess get resolved in a positive way but for those anti-Europe members of his party, that would be a step too far. Probably the right man for the job, probably the wrong man for the party.
Rod Main, Newhaven, UK
A lot has been done recently to progress the anti-smoking campaign. With Ken Clarke's strong connections to the tobacco industry either those with morals will turn away from any party he leads, or the whole campaign will lose credibility with him as leader he the Tories came back to power. Ken Clarke as leader will be the final nail in the coffin of the Tory party for many voters.
Teena, England
Ken Clark is the best leader that the Tories have. His age isn't an issue nor his work with a tobacco company (from comments I've seen you'd have thought that tobacco was a Grade 1 drug). His one big issue is his credibility over his views on Europe.
Greg, St Albans
The Tory party needs to completely shed its previous Thatcher image. That means Ken Clarke too. It's time for a young leader with new ideas and the strengths of conviction to change the party in to a modern and forward looking party that can offer Britons some real policies without the wait and see voter catching attitude of the recent leaders. I am sure this is what the majority of the Tory voters want to see.
Jay Kandy, London
Why are the Tories so obsessed with Europe? Short of moving the UK into the middle of the Atlantic we are stuck in Europe. To win the next election any candidate must have plausible domestic policies and Ken Clarke is the only candidate with a successful track record on the domestic front.
Susan, Birmingham
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Ken Clarke is the only leader that could deliver
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I have never voted Conservative but would love for the current Government to have some strong, credible opposition. Ken Clarke is the only leader that could deliver this and someone that I would feel comfortable leading the country, despite my significant Tory reservations.
Leon, Brighton, UK No-one who lines the pockets of a tobacco firm like Clarke is should ever be in a position to influence, never mind run, the NHS.
Mark Malik, Teesside, UK
Is this the best the Conservatives can do? Clarke was supposed to be pro-Euro and pro European. We now hear he considers both a failure! He is another politician who shows no consistency in his arguments. Power at all costs - end of.
DC, UK
I wish Ken Clarke good luck, but suspect the Conservatives haven't got the political good sense to elect him as leader. If they don't, there must be a high probability that an apathetic electorate will allow New Labour in for a fourth term.
David Anderson, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
If British politics were not so dull at the moment, this story would be treated with humour rather than considered debate. Ken is no longer a serious contender for leader of the party, let alone the country, and the fact that some Tories see him as even an outside possibility shows how few real candidates there are. Too much looking back, not enough moving forwards.
Richard Glover, Redruth, Cornwall
The most likely effect of Ken Clarke standing for leader will be to split the moderate Tory vote. David Cameron has already made it clear that he is unwilling to step aside so Centre-left conservative MPs will be left to choose between the party's short term electoral chances or its long term future. Obviously what they'll actually end up with is David Davis as leader and will find themselves stuck in the same rut they've been in since 1997.
B Gardner, Reading
To those are knocking him for his age remember the greatest Prime Minister this country ever had was Churchill and how old was he!.
John, Birmingham UK
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There are more hurdles to his career aspirations now than ever
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Ken Clarke will be knocking 70 by the time of the next election. Even if he could get elected PM (ie if the electorate ignore his swing to anti-EU, his age and the baggage of his political past), it would be unlikely that he would stand a second term. As valued as his plain talking and charisma is, there are more hurdles to his career aspirations now than ever.
C Brown, UK
Ken Clarke is the man for the job. I have to invest my all with our leader. He is the only politician I feel I could trust.
Doug, Oldham, UK
Don't the Tories realise all the old guard still being there is the reason they won't win next time round. They need fresh blood in charge. Ken Clarke may be a good politician but he can't change the publics view of the party.
Brendan, Manchester
I have never voted Tory in the whole of my 58 years. However, should Ken Clarke become leader I would. He is a no nonsense politician who does what is best for the country. He will always give a straight answer to any question, something that most politicians cannot do especially this rabble who are leading us now. Blair and company are made to look credible because the Tories have been so gutless over the last decade, their fear of Europe has affected their choice of leader since the major government. It is about time they realised that unless they grasp the nettle people like me will never vote for them. Ken Clarke never played politics with education, health or the economy - he did what he felt was right. Had it not been for Ken the national economy would not have been in such good shape when Labour took over. If the Tories get it wrong again this time round they will be doomed, there is just no one else of any credibility amongst their ranks who appears to be leadership material.
Al, England
If he runs I'll vote for him despite a 20-year antipathy to everything Tory. Voting for "yoof" got us Tony. If the Conservative Party has a sudden burst of sanity and stops judging every candidate by their Euro credentials alone, we could have a real election contest.
Rick H, Horley, Surrey
It's been worth the wait. Cigar or no cigar, Europe or no Europe. Intelligence with charisma - Ken's the man. I've waited 10 years for this.
Pegan, Sheffield
I am a card carrying Conservative but in the unlikely event of Ken Clarke winning the leadership race I will question my loyalty to the party. David Davies seems the best bet but isn't there someone with that extra oomph so that we can oust Blair?
Daphne Lovell, Newmarket, England
Ken has miles more experience than any other contender. Changing his mind over the Euro is not just so he can win the Tory leadership, he has admitted he was wrong. This proves to me that he can adapt and win the next election.
John Wells, Wendover, Bucks
I do hope that the UK will never join the fiasco of the Euro. Also I hope that Blair will sort the "EU Constitution" and Rebate issues now that he has the chance. Why going back to the past? I always liked Ken Clarke but I think his time has passed. Put a new face on top and don't remove him/her on the first sign of trouble: give the new leader some room to breath and to build a good team for the future.
Sofia Pinto, Lisbon, Portugal
If we want a change away from the unrelentingly juvenile style of politics we suffer from at the moment, Ken Clarke would be an excellent choice. His affability and good humour mean that his exchanges with others don't immediately degenerate into a slanging match. His experience and gravitas also mean that on the international stage he is likely to be taken seriously in a way that Tony Blair could only dream of. And that is coming from an habitual Labour voter!
Jonathan Allenby, Brighton, UK
I never fail to be amazed at how narrow minded my fellow Britons can be. Ken Clarke's age is of no consequence; with age comes experience. Tony Blair was young when he became Prime Minister. Did it do the country any good? Had he held an authoritative position of office? No. Look what happened. Ken Clarke is not suddenly anti-Euro. Read the article. He said (I paraphrase) that the Euro had not lived up to its expectations. That's an authoritative comment from a knowledgeable person. Ken Clarke has a young, inquiring, questioning mind honed in government. Neither of the other two candidates has had such a range of experience.
John, Brussels, Belgium
I'm a Labour voter and I hope the Tory party isn't sensible enough (I doubt it is) to put Ken Clarke in charge; he's the only person who could realistically beat Brown next time.
Mark,
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David Davis is going to walk it
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Sorry Ken, but taking off the string of onions, the striped jumper and the beret at this late stage simply won't make any difference. David Davis is going to walk it.
Phil, Stafford
Politically, I am with Ken Clarke... a Tory and pro-Europe. But he is not the right man to lead a Tory government. Times have changed since he was last in government and we need a young, energetic, new-thinking leader to blast the Tories back into being a credible choice for government.
Ellen, London
Too old, too late, Ken. Give up. I was looking forward to Tim Yeo throwing his hat in the ring. Oh well. Once again, a lapsed Tory voter will remain so.
Jonty Sexton, UK
A return to Thatcher's times - if he's in it'll be time to say goodbye to low interest rates, low unemployment and no recessions.
Dominic, Matlock, UK
His age is not a problem. He is experienced, plausible, knowledgeable, but he cannot be trusted over the Euro or the constitution so sorry I would not vote Conservative if he were leader.
Robin, UK
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Do we really want the leftovers from the 80s?
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Do we really want the leftovers from the 80s and 90s to run the Tory party? If the Conservatives really want to be a serious political party again they have to have policies that will attract myself and the millions of others who are looking to UKIP for leadership and a convenient repentance for supporting the euro is hardly a convincing start.
Gordon Hayward, Swindon UK
Go for it Ken, you're the best man for the job and your age won't matter a jot (and that's coming from a 22-year-old). We've had much older prime ministers. It's time Blair and Brown got a good thrashing and you can give it to them.
James Wakefield, Bingley, UK
Presumably Mr Clarke is looking to secure a hat-trick of rejections from the Conservative Party, each time under a different set of election rules.
Simon, Gosport, United Kingdom
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Why should we trust anyone who changes their views just to win?
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Oh, what a coincidence. A pro-euro view caused him to lose the last two leadership contests, and now he is suddenly anti-euro. What a surprise! Why should we trust anyone who changes their views just to win?
Rob Stone, Stafford, UK
Ken is probably the best leader for the party. He is a shrewd, intelligent gentleman who
embodies the best characteristics of the Conservative party. Ken Clarke could make the Tories electable. And the country needs that!
Steve Korbey, Canada (UK ex pat)
This is a disaster. How on earth could he possibly think the electorate would want a 65-year-old to lead them? Get your act together Tories and find yourselves a charismatic leader, or resign yourselves to another 10 years in the political wilderness.
L, UK
I have voted Conservative for over 30 years and I have always had a great respect and admiration for Ken Clarke but I will not vote Conservative if he is leader because I would not trust him on the European issue and its republican bias.
R Chamberlain, Bolton Lancs
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After electing the "quiet man" nothing would surprise me!!
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The Tories are not electable - he is the only candidate who could change this, but I fear the party may make the wrong decision yet again, after electing the "quiet man" nothing would surprise me!
Chris Simpson, Symington, Scotland
At retirement age Clarke is a hopeless contender. If the Conservatives win the next election he would be serving as Prime Minister well into his seventies.
Jonathan Owen, Cannock, England
Ken Clarke is probably the only politician that will give an honest answer to a straightforward question, and is the only Tory that has any chance of getting my vote, despite the huge tax increases under Brown. Just a shame that the Tories will be far too euro-sceptic to make him leader.
Darren, Portsmouth, Hampshire