AS the ballot papers for the Conservative Party leadership are posted this weekend, (August 18) we write as Conservatives who want to win again. 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 admire 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, we urge Conservative Party members in the North West to vote for him.

Rt Hon Sir Robert Atkins, MEP,

Rt Hon Lord Carlisle, QC (Former MP for Runcorn & Secretary of State for Education),

John Entwistle (Former President, UK Chamber of Commerce),

County Councillor Robert Hodge, JP (Conservative Group Leader, Lancashire CC),

Lord Inglewood, DL, MEP,

Rt Hon Michael Jack, MP,

Rt Hon Lord Jopling (Former MP for Westmorland & Government Chief Whip),

Graham Park, CBE (Former Chairman, Conservative National Convention),

David Sumberg, MEP,

Sir David Trippier, RD, JP, DL (Former MP for Rossendale),

County Councillor Michael Welsh (Former MEP for Lancashire, Central),

Celia, Viscountess Whitelaw.