TWO Conservative Kent MPs say they will be supporting David Davis in party’s forthcoming leadership contest.

Ashford MP Damian Green and Canterbury MP Julian Brazier say Mr Davis is the only candidate who can broaden the party’s appeal and help it return to power.

Their public declarations of support came after Ken Clarke this week announced he intended to stand in the forthcoming contest.

Mr Green, who at one stage had considered standing himself, said it was vital the party had a leader who was capable of drawing traditional Labour and Liberal Democrat supporters.

"He is the best candidate because he is most likely to unite the party and extend our appeal beyond those who traditionally vote Conservative. We need to convince voters that we have changed.

"They have now rejected us three times in a row at elections and they want to feel the Conservative party wants to provide opportunities for everyone, not just for a few," said Mr Green.

Canterbury MP Julian Brazier said he intended to support Mr Davis because he had the "courage and imagination Britain requires to lead us into an increasingly dangerous world."

He also felt that Mr Davis combined radical ideas with Conservative values - an agenda "that has a message for millions of people who have despaired of the political process."

Ann Widdecombe, Maidstone and Weald MP, said earlier this week she was backing Ken Clarke for the leadership.

She rubbished suggestions that Mr Clarke, who could be 70 when the next general election is held, was too old and said party activists were unconcerned by his age.

“His single biggest merit is that he can win and every opinion poll shows that among non-Tory voters, he is the most likely to switch their support to us - which is precisely what we need to get back into power,” she said.

“You can have all the greatest policies on earth but if you are in opposition, they are not much good to you.”

Mr Clarke threw his hat in the ring this week, insisting that he could take the Tories back to power. It will be his third stab at getting the top job - he lost out in 1997 and 2001, primarily because of his pro-European views.

Ms Widdecombe said age should be no barrier. “We went for a young leader in 1997 and made no progress and tried again in 2001 and also made no progress. Then we had Michael Howard, who was older, and did make some progress.”

She ruled out a “dream ticket” with David Cameron, another likely contender, standing as Mr Clarke’s running-mate.

“If David Cameron wants to back Ken, that would be wonderful but there won’t be any deals,” she added.