Yeo rules himself out as leader
Tim Yeo became the latest senior Tory to rule himself out for the leadership today as party heavyweights gave their support to Michael Howard.
The shadow trade secretary - who had been seen as a possible standard bearer for the party's centre-left and "modernising" wings - confirmed that he would also support Mr Howard.
He told the BBC: "I am not going to run in this leadership contest, if indeed one is necessary, and I will give my full support to Michael Howard once he announces his candidacy."
Mr Yeo confirmed that he had been urged to stand by some Tory MPs but said that he wanted to avoid a damaging contest.
But he cautioned Mr Howard not to ignore the centre-left when he came to appoint his new shadow cabinet.
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