Michael Howard has called on the Conservatives to refrain from mud-slinging as the party looks for another new leader.

In a private meeting with MPs, the Tory leader criticised Ian Taylor and John Bercow, who had spoken out against colleagues.

At the meeting in the Commons yesterday, Howard told his parliamentary colleagues that they had, under his leadership, rediscovered the benefits of party unity and stressed the need to have a "civilised" debate.

The MPs also heard a presentation from Lynton Crosby, Howard's campaigns chief, who will shortly return to Australia.

Crosby defended his strategy of focusing on target seats rather than the overall share of the vote, but one MP said he admitted that Iraq had blown the Tories off course towards the end of the campaign.

David Davis, the shadow home secretary and leading contender in the leadership race, is said to be trying to charm new MPs.

A member of the shadow cabinet and leadership rival told the FT that Davis has been telephoning new Members in a "blatant" appeal for their support.