Back me or sack me, says Hague

Speaking at a meeting in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Mr Hague announced that he would rapidly convene a conference representative of the whole party if voted in as leader. At that conference, a wider range of Tory activists and party members would be allowed to either ratify the vote or sack him. "A ballot would be held at which I would seek a mandate as leader of the party and I would not continue as your leader without it," Mr Hague said.

Mr Hague's offer seems to be linked to the current debate raging within the Tory Party over demands that the membership should have a say in electing the new leader. His remarks were greeted with enthusiastic applause at the Barnsley meeting, as he promised a new beginning which would "mean once again being proud to say that you are a Conservative." One activist said later: "We're full of common sense in Yorskhire, and I'm sure we can win the next election if William is the party leader."

Dorrell is pushing for a new party constitution

Stephen Dorrell, the Shadow Health Secretary and another leadership contender, has already sent a letter to constituency chairmen proposing to conduct a "listening exercise" on the question of a new party constitution. Proposals would then be put to the Conservative Central Council meeting in March 1998.

Mr Dorrell said: "An election for the leadership of the party cannot be conducted behind closed doors among 164 MPs. The process must be seen to be open and must be seen to respond to the concerns of our supporters."

Mr Dorrell portrayed himself and Mr Hague as the only candidates who could enable the party to make a "decisive break with recent history". In doing so, he challenged Mr Hague to a head-to-head debate. Mr Hague has turned down the offer.

A poll in The Times newspaper shows that the former Chancellor , Kenneth Clarke, is the overwhelming favourite to take the leadership. Twenty-five per cent of respondents supported Mr Clarke's bid, giving him a fourteen point lead over John Redwood.