The former British Chancellor Mr Ken Clarke was the popular choice to replace Mr William Hague as Tory leader but not among his own party, a newspaper poll has revealed.
Hewas deemed to be the best successor by 31 per centof people asked in a survey by Gallup.
Mr Michael Portillo came second with 27 per centwhile just 10 per centopted for Miss Ann Widdecombe in the poll for the Daily Telegraph.
But Mr Clarke took only 21 per cent among Conservative voters, compared with the 34 per centwho backed the shadow chancellor.
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Miss Widdecombe's rating rose to just 15 per cent among Tory voters.
PA