A KENT Conservative MP has switched his support from David Davis to rival Tory leadership contender David Cameron.

Gravesham MP Adam Holloway had declared his intention to support Mr Davis ahead of the first ballot on Tuesday but said he had changed his mind after becoming more impressed by Mr Cameron’s campaign.

Mr Holloway, who succeeded in replacing Labour MP Chris Pond at the election this year, said: "I had declared for David Davis two months ago but it is about two things - the leader who will do the right thing for the country and it is also about a small matter of winning elections. David Davis is a remarkable man and would make a good Prime Minister but David Cameron’s campaign was far, far better."

The MP was among a handful thought to have defected to other contenders in the leadership race although Mr Holloway is thought to be the only one to have publicly admitted to doing so. He said he had agonised over the move but had privately told Mr Davis ahead of the vote.

Conservative party insiders believe Mr Davis’ campaign has been badly damaged after he appeared to have failed to get all the support that he had anticipated. Mr Cameron, on the other hand, has emerged as the clear favourite despite coming second in the ballot.

Meanwhile, Maidstone and Weald MP Ann Widdecombe said it was a tragedy that the parliamentary party had not supported Ken Clarke’s bid in enough numbers to allow him through as one of the final two candidates.

The former Home Office minister has yet to decide who to back in Thursday’s second round but said: "I have always taken the line that the person I would back would be the person most likely to win us the election, so long as that person was the most experienced. It now seems the person most people are prefering is the one with the least experience."

Ken Clarke’s failure to make the second round was "very disappointing but not exactly a surprise."

"I simply do not understand how a person with his serious clout can be turned out."