David Cameron romped home to victory in the Conservative leadership election yesterday, beating rival David Davis by a margin of more than two to one, writes Frank Millar, London Editor.
He immediately promised to woo the British electorate with a brand of "modern, compassionate Conservatism that is right for our times and right for our country".
Exceeding even the most optimistic forecasts, Mr Cameron claimed the leadership in emphatic style, winning 134,446 votes (68 per cent) to 64,398 (32 per cent) for Mr Davis.
Having campaigned on the promise of change, Mr Cameron (39) wasted no time in telling his party that under his leadership it now would in terms of the way it looked, thought, felt and behaved.
Delivering his acceptance speech without notes, Mr Cameron told his audience at London's Royal Academy: "We will change the way we look. Nine out of 10 Conservative MPs, like me, are white men." He said he would act to end the party's "scandalous" under-representation of women.
Pointing to a more tolerant and inclusive path ahead, Mr Cameron then warned: "No more grumbling about modern Britain. I love this country as it is, not as it was."
Tories needed to change the way they thought about tackling the problems of inner cities: "We will change the way we behave . . . I'm fed up with the Punch and Judy politics of Westminster."
He wanted, he said, to lead a Conservative Party which would back the government when it did the right thing. "We can't play politics with the long-term future of this country. We will work to get it right."
That noble sentiment will be put to its first test in the Commons today when the new Conservative leader faces Tony Blair in their first encounter at prime minister's questions. After that Mr Cameron is expected to start announcing appointments to his shadow cabinet, with former leader William Hague expected to return to the front bench as shadow foreign secretary.
Mr Cameron indicated that Mr Davis would be an important member of his team while declining to say in what capacity. He thanked him for "the very civilised and decent" way in which the campaign had been conducted.