FOLKESTONE and Hythe MP and former Home Secretary Michael Howard officially became leader of the Conservative Party today. He immediately appealed to Tories throughout the country to unite behind him.

Mr Howard was speaking after, as expected, winning a one-horse to replace Iain Duncan as leader of the party. He said it was an "immense privilege".

Mr Howard's appointment was confirmed by Sir Michael Spicer, chairman of the backbench 1922 committee after no rivals came forward.

THE KENT Messenger Group's political editor Paul Francis has spoken to the man once famously described by Maidstone and Weald MP Ann Widdecombe as "having something of the night about him". He writes:

Michael Howard could be forgiven for feeling a quiet satisfaction about his fortunes since last week's tumultuous events.

Barely 24 hours after Conservative MPs had decided Iain Duncan Smith was not the leader they wanted, the Folkestone and Hythe MP had suddenly emerged as the favourite to take on the job.

Not only that but rival candidates were withdrawing from the contest with such haste, it seemed almost indecent.

All of this six years after his first stab at taking the leadership ended in embarrassing failure as he trailed in last and watched as the young pretender William Hague, whom he thought he had a deal with took the crown.

No wonder he professes to be "surprised" by such a sudden political reversal of fortune, which now sees him tipped by some to be our next Prime Minister.

So, why does he think he is better equipped to the job than anyone else?

He answers carefully, aware that anything he says is likely to be read as implied criticism of others.

"Well, I have more experience and I think I may have more authority, particularly if I turn out to be the only candidate from the parliamentary party. I think I have demonstrated that the Conservative party has achieved a unity around my candidacy which will be a considerable help."

Unity alone, however, won't win elections a fact he readily acknowledges.

"What we have to do every day between now and the general election is to persuade the people of this country that we can serve them more effectively than the present Government. We need to convince people that our policies will make their lives better, give them better schools and hospitals, make them feel safer in their streets and homes."

It is a familiar refrain but the rhetoric does suggest that he appreciates the party has to connect with people in a way which it has failed to do since Margaret Thatcher was in charge.

"I know most people are not interested in politics and don't watch Prime Minister's Questions every week or listen to John Humphreys arguing with the likes of me on the Today programme. But they are interested in their schools and hospitals and our job is to convince them that there is an alternative."

His reputation remains that of an uncompromising politician on the right of the party, despite his recent pronouncements about developing a consensual leadership from the centre.

So, is today's Michael Howard very different from the one most of us recall from his time as a right wing Home Secretary?

"We all learn and I hope I have learned along the way and, I think, moved on. Nothing stays the same."

He does not seem comfortable about this subject, in contrast to his bullish response when quizzed about whether he feels vulnerable to the Liberal Democrats, who have vowed to take his Kent seat at the election.

"I've been a target of the Liberal Democrats for the last 20 years. I never take my constituency for granted and never will but they've failed every time. The fact I am leader won't affect my devotion to my constituency. They are my lifeblood."

Among the more surprising endorsements of his candidacy has been that of Ann Widdecombe. It was the Maidstone and Weald MP who fatally undermined his first leadership bid in 1997, when she coined a description of him which has now entered political folklore.

How does he feel about the support of the woman who said he had "something of the night about him?"

"I want everyone's support," he says. But surely it must mean more than others in view of their well-documented falling out? "That is why it is particularly welcome."

He will not be drawn about whether he will be the next Prime Minister. At 62, some see him as the equivalent of a caretaker manager, there only until the next election.

"I am not making any rash predictions. It is a decision which won't be mine but one for the British people. I will lead my party from the centre. We've not changed our values and principles and we continue to believe in individual responsibility, free enterprise and defence of nationhood. They are the core values we must apply them to the challenges that lie ahead."

There's no doubt he's relishing the challenge ahead and under his leadership, the Conservatives look like being a much more potent force than they have for many years.