WITH the Conservative leadership contest in full swing, Jeremy Hunt, the local Member of Parliament for South West Surrey has announced his support for David Cameron. Following outsider Sir Malcolm Rifkind's resignation from the hunt, the choice of leader will now come from either David Davis, Ken Clarke, Liam Fox or David Cameron. And after spending last week in Blackpool at the annual Conservative Party conference, Mr Hunt pledged his support for Mr Cameron, who is MP for Witney. "When I arrived at Blackpool, I was undecided as to who I would be backing as the new leader of the Conservative Party," said Mr Hunt. "I therefore listened attentively to each of the speeches delivered by the leadership hopefuls. I must say that the standard was extremely high; each candidate gave a rousing speech and they were all met with standing ovations," he added. "It was also amusing to see each of the campaign teams in action: Ken Clarke's team handing out bottles of water with the slogan "change to win" branded on the side, David Cameron's handing out "I Love DC" stickers, David Davis' wearing "It's DD for me" t-shirts and Rifkind and Fox handing out ribbons. The conference was really turned into a forward looking, positive and fun place to be," he continued. But Mr Hunt could only be an impartial observer for so long, as he expanded. "I have decided to back David Cameron. While I felt that David Davis could really connect with the man on the street and comes across as a real statesman, it was David Cameron who I thought could inspire people the most," said Mr Hunt. "I know that some people say that Cameron doesn't have enough experience. But what counts is that he has the energy, vision and the ability to connect with exactly the type of people we need to win over to take us back into power," he said. "However, whatever the outcome of the leadership election I shall be standing strong and uniting behind our leader and I know that my fellow colleagues in Westminster are eager to do the same," he said. Meanwhile, responding to Mr Hunt's pledge of support, Mr Cameron - a former alumnus of Eton and Brasenose College, Oxford, who is regarded as a party "moderniser," was quick to return the praise. "I welcome Jeremy's support and I look forward to working closely with him and his excellent team in South West Surrey. Jeremy is one of a new generation of Conservatives who can inspire young voters and transform the party's fortunes. "Last week was a real turning point in our party. We showed a sense of optimism about our party and our country. Britain needs new hope and fresh ideas and a Conservative Government can provide these things," he concluded.
