Clarke is Neil's man (From Stroud News and Journal)

Clarke is Neil's man

KENNETH Clarke can count on Neil Carmichael's vote in the Conservative Party leadership battle.

The man who lost out to Stroud Labour MP David Drew at the General Election in May believes Mr Clarke has what it takes to draw the party together and win back disaffected voters nationally.

Mr Carmichael told the News & Journal he worked for Mr Clarke's campaign team when party MPs who had backed one of the three unsuccessful candidates were canvassed for support.

"Anyone wishing to win a General Election needs to win the middle ground, as John Major did successfully in 1992," said Mr Carmichael.

"I'm voting for Ken Clarke but we have to make sure that everyone salutes the decision whatever the result.

"It's vital we regain the middle ground and the Liberal Democrats are no longer able to do what they did in Stroud and take the vote to Labour.

"We want to reach out to people who want to see Britain do well for itself."

*For full story see this week's News & Journal.