Peter Lilley - unseated at the first

Peter Lilley

After finishing fourth in the first round Peter Lilley withdrew from the leadership contest and came out for the man in second place, William Hague. Mr Lilley said, "my aims have always been to reunite, to rebuild and renew the Conservative Party. I believe William Hague is now best placed to achieve those objectives and win the General Election."

Mr Lilley only managed to come home ahead of one other leadership contender in the first round, Michael Howard. Mr Howard has too decided to throw in the towel and lend his support to Mr Hague.

Michael Portillo's defeat at the election did the former social security minister's first round attempt to become leader no harm at all. Many would-be Portillo backers supported Lilley, most notably the former Education Secretary Gillian Shephard in the first round. He also had the support of Ann Widdecombe who demolished Michael Howard's chances single-handed.

Lilley was one of the many candidates from the right of the party but is much admired by many on the left as well. Regarded as highly intelligent, he implemented welfare reforms while at social security and has a reputation as a good conference performer. Perhaps a more voter-friendly figure than Howard or Redwood although is thought by some to be rather un-charismatic.

Lilley saw himself as a unity candidate. He is opposes a single European currency. Lilley has endorsed ideas aimed at reforming the party and the election of its leaders.

Backers included: Gillian Shephard, Ann Widdecombe, Eric Forth, John Whittingdale, Bernard Jenkin, David Willetts, David Amess, Piers Merchant, Gerald Howarth, Nick Gibb, Michael Colvin, Andrew Tyrie, John Bercow, Patrick Cormack, Nick St Aubyn, Peter Atkinson, Robert Key