MICHAEL Howard looks certain to be crowned the uncontested leader of the Tory party today with a pledge of total support from Iain Duncan Smith, his defeated predecessor.
Mr Howard is expected to be officially elevated to the leadership just after 12.20pm, when Sir Michael Spicer, chairman of the 1922 committee of Tory back benchers, confirms that Mr Howard is the only valid nomination for the job.
In a bid to appease Tory activists, still smarting from the manner of Mr Duncan Smith's departure, Mr Howard has promised to consult the party, but if his attempt for the leadership is uncontested, the party consultation will be academic.
Mr Duncan Smith has already promised that there will be ''no carping from the sidelines'', which he had to endure during his leadership.
Lord Strathclyde, the Tory leader in the Lords, led the tributes to Mr Duncan Smith and the prime minister also paid personal tribute to Mr Duncan Smith.
At a shadow cabinet meeting, Lord Strathclyde said Mr Duncan Smith had left a legacy of an impressive policy programme.
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