Who's backing who in the race for top Tory

Tory leadership candidate Malcolm Rifkind has withdrawn from the race for the top job after the leading contenders outlined their intentions to stand during the Conservative Party Conference.

Each of the candidates believe they can win, but they all recognise that the party needs to change to fight the Labour party at the next election.

So who can win? The Mail online assesses the remaining four candidates ahead of the long, drawn-out voting process for a new leader.

David Davis

Aged 56, married to Doreen with three children.

Started out as bookie's favourite with a huge following, but was reported to have haemorrhaged support after a lacklustre conference address.

Eurosceptic said to be able to reach out to the public with working class background: Born to a single mother on a council estate, went to a comprehensive school and a redbrick university.

Believes in family values and traditionally sits on the right of the party calling for Britain to repeal the Human Rights Act. Campaigner for low taxes to 'improve opportunities for people'.

Believed to have the use of a helicopter at his disposal, thanks to backers.

Backing declared: 66 MPs.

Frontbench shadow trade secretary David Willetts ruled himself out of the race and threw his support behind Mr Davis. Backed by Margaret Thatcher and rumours that William Hague would take a lead role in his Cabinet.

In his favour: Good on TV and not posh.

What he's really saying: I'm an ordinary guy who can attract new blood.

Kenneth Clarke

Aged 65, married to Gillian with two children.

Definitely 'the people's choice', popular with the public and Conservative grass roots. Known within the party as 'the man in suede shoes'.

Self-proclaimed Europhile (albeit with recent reservations), middle-of-the-road Conservative. The former Chancellor is a familiar face from the Thatcher and Major governments, and is famous for his love of jazz and cigars.

Pledges to tackle crisis of confidence in politics, but will be almost 70 by time of next general election.

Backers are thought to have provided a plane for his use.

Backing declared: 26 MPs, but surveys suggest activists who opted for Iain Duncan Smith last time are backing him.

Tory vice-chairman Charles Hendry swopped his backing from Mr Willetts to Mr Clarke, saying the former Tory Chancellor was best placed to lead the modernising agenda and put the Conservatives back into government. Former shadow cabinet minister Tim Yeo has also voiced his support.

In his favour: Unwavering opponent of Iraq war.

What he's really saying: Forget my age, I'm a beast and Labour know it.

David Cameron

Aged 39, married to Samantha with two small children and one more on the way.

This new hot favourite is the leading light in the Notting Hill Set of young Tories. Believes he's 'the real thing' in progressive Conservatism and pledges to modernise the party. Pressing for more liberal attitudes to social issues, while placing greater emphasis on public services and the environment.

Made rousing conference speech which caused the party to sit up and listen to his reforming message.

Backing declared: 37 MPs, waiting for more to reveal true colours.

Eurosceptic Tory donor Lord Harris has pledged his support. Mr Cameron has lined up chief of staff, Alexander Deane, who is firmly on the right of the party, while his press officer, George Eustace, used to head the anti-euro campaign. George Osborne, another 'young breed' Tory who dropped out of leadership race is firmly standing behind him, and it is rumoured that Michael Howard is also supporting his bid.

In his favour: Keen and capable of keeping traditional Tory voters onside.

What he's really saying: I'm not too young.

Liam Fox

Aged 43, engaged to Dr Jesme Baird who is a lung cancer specialist.

Firmly on the right of the party, he is Eurosceptic and is known for being outspoken in his opposition to abortion. Campaigns on his belief in traditional family values to create a 'stable, cohesive society'.

The shadow foreign secretary worked with Australian Lynton Crosby to sharpen up campaigning for the 2005 election, and is to receive a message of support from Australia's PM John Howard at a reception on Wednesday evening.

Backing declared: 23 MPs, with more expected to fall in line.

Given a boost by IG Index betting firm tycoon Stuart Wheeler, who has threatened to stop donating to the party if Mr Clarke wins.

In his favour: Health background; worked as doctor before became politician.

What he's really saying: I'm clever and chomping at the bit.