Conservative MP Tim Loughton has come out in support of David Davis, the front-runner for the Tory leadership.

After backing Michael Portillo in the last leadership election, the East Worthing and Shoreham MP is seen as a moderniser whose support for the Shadow Home Secretary is significant.

Mr Davis made a speech to the centre-left Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) last week in which he appealed to "One Nation" Tories.

Mr Loughton, along with five other previously undeclared Tory MPs, yesterday claimed Mr Davis had made a "compelling case".

In a letter to The Times, they wrote: "While we are fortunate to have a number of highly qualified candidates we have come to the conclusion that the man with the authority, ideas and energy to do the job best is David Davis."

The MPs claimed that Mr Davis had been "the party's most effective performer in recent years". They also included a riposte to Eton-educated Shadow Education Secretary David Cameron by referring to Mr Daviss upbringing by a single mother in a south London council house.

They added: "His personal background and time as chairman of the Commons Public Accounts Committee leave him well placed to tackle the greatest political issue of our time, the renewal of our public services, while his success as a businessman shows that he understands the importance of nurturing a low-tax, light-regulation economy."

Meanwhile, Wealden MP Charles Hendry has backed former Chancellor Ken Clarke for the leadership. Mr Hendry said: "Ken knows what needs to be done to hold this Government to account and take the Conservative Party back to power.

"He can provide the leadership we need and highlight where Labour is failing on every front."

Mr Hendry said Mr Clarke had been a "very successful" Chancellor and Home Secretary and was the leadership contender best able to connect with the country.

He added: "My experience is also that those people who have drifted away from the Conservative Party women, young people and those from different ethnic groups find him a person they can relate to."