Michael Howard yesterday admitted that the Tories had failed to connect with voters under his leadership and warned that they face a massive task if they are to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat.

As the battle to succeed the Conservative leader continues to unfold - with Kenneth Clarke suggesting he might stand - Howard said it would take more than "one more heave" to win the next election.

There is concern that a lengthy leadership race will distract MPs from the underlying issues facing the party.

Although Clarke's hints had garnered heavy media coverage, several other contenders took to the airwaves yesterday.

Liam Fox, the shadow foreign secretary, appeared on breakfast television to say he wanted to see a "radically smaller" state, involving less taxation.

A few hours later John Redwood, the shadow secretary of state for deregulation, offered a stronger version of the same message, offering £12bn in tax cuts.

Neither Dr Fox nor Redwood wore ties, The Times notes.

Tim Yeo, another contender, said: "The idea that you are a moderniser just because you can appear on television without a tie is wrong."