KENT Tory MPs have called on the party to unite around a new leader as quickly as possible after Iain Duncan Smith lost tonight's vote of confidence.

But as speculation continued that the Folkestone and Hythe MP Michael Howard

could be given a clear run at the leadership, few were prepared to say who

they might back.

Maidstone and Weald MP Ann Widdecombe said:

"I am sorry it has come to this but no amount of replaying the video will alter the result. We have now got to get on with electing a new leader and whoever that new leader is the party must back him."

She said that if Ken Clarke was persuaded to stand and the question of his

pro-European attitude could be resolved, she would back him.

However, she refused to be drawn on the prospect of Michael Howard entering

the fray.

It was Miss Widdecombe's comment that Mr Howard had "something of the night"

about him which was widely regarded as having wrecked his bid to take on the

job in 1997.

"I want someone who is a big hitter and can score points and has experience.

Michael Howard does fit that bill but I would prefer to wait before

commenting until I see a full line up of candidates."

Faversham and Mid Kent MP Hugh Robertson said: "On a personal level I regret what has happened. Ian Duncan Smith conducted himself with a remarkable degree of dignity. However, the important thing now is that the party moves forward and we find a new leader who can unite the party and parliamentary associations and allow us to get on with the job of opposition."

Tunbridge Wells MP Archie Norman, who was the only Kent MP to publicly declare that he would be supporting Mr Duncan Smith, said the party needed to act quickly to appoint a successor: "Ian conducted himself with great courage and dignity and made a substantial contribution as leader but the parliamentary party has now spoken and the

time has come to agree a new leader as soon as possible."

He added that the party must end its infighting if it was to stand a chance

of success. "We must say goodbye forever to culture of wrangling and disunity."

Ashford MP and shadow education secretary Damian Green said he was very disappointed at the outcome. "We must now make sure that a contest is fair and that we elect a leader who will be able to take us forward to victory at the next election."

There was support for Mr Howard from Shepway county councillor and local

party member John Palmer.

"Michael Howard has a lot of talents to offer the party and we need someone

with bite who can score points against Labour."