AS the ballot papers for the Conservative Party leadership election are posted this weekend we write as Conservatives who want to win again.

Along with a number of colleagues we believe that Ken Clarke is the candidate best qualified to do that. His ability, wide experience, loyalty and service to three Conservative Prime Ministers and his understanding of the need to re-command the centre ground of politics is second-to-none.

The leadership of the party, and of the Opposition, is a big job and it needs a man of stature to do it.

The general public admires Ken Clarke more than any other candidate, Tory voters prefer him to any other candidate and Tony Blair fears him more than any other candidate.

Accordingly, along with a number of other Tories, we urge Conservative Party Members in the North West to vote for him.

DAVID

SUMBERG MEP,

SIR DAVID TRIPPIER

(formerly MP

for Rossendale).