Kenneth Clarke today declared he's set to confront Michael Portillo in a fight to become the next Tory leader.

The former Chancellor said he'd like to take over as party chief and rule as Prime Minister one day.

But the arch pro-European said he wouldn't be rushed into throwing his hat into the ring.

Mr Clarke, 60, told Sky News: "I am not going to make a decision for 10 days or so. I think we need more discussion within the party. I am going to take more soundings.

"I haven't given up on my ambitions at the end of the day to be Prime Minister. However there needs to be careful thought about whether the party is capable of being led by a pro-European."

He stressed: "I would like to be leader of the Conservative Party and I have not yet given up my ambition one day to be Prime Minister.

"The thing that's causing me to consult seriously is I have to decide whether a parliamentary party that has just fought a fanatic Eurosceptic campaign and been defeated is really capable of being led by a pro-European."

Extremely popular Mr Clarke would be the big danger to Michael Portillo, the only Tory to show his hand so far.

The ex-right-wing hardman suffered a blow when William Hague's allies accused him of plotting to overthrow the Tory leader since the day he returned to Parliament.

Senior Tories blamed the Shadow Chancellor for stabbing Mr Hague in the back during the General Election campaign.

And they revealed how Mr Hague was left "a broken man" by the work of Mr Portillo's henchmen.

A senior Conservative told The Mirror: "All Portillo cared about from day one was getting the Tory leadership."

Mr Portillo was sensationally ousted from his Enfield Southgate seat in the 1997 election - but returned two years later as MP for Kensington and Chelsea.

Mr Hague's allies claim Mr Portillo:

Sabotaged Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe's zero tolerance drugs policy - claiming he had been against it when he had approved the idea.

Attempted to seize the chairmanship of the party from Michael Ancram.

Sanctioned an attack on Mr Hague as a "weak" and aloof leader.

Tried to lever Shadow Education Secretary Theresa May out of her job.

Mr Hague's aide said: "Michael talks about a new brand of Conservatism, one which is inclusive and caring.

"But how can someone who has repeatedly knifed his closest colleagues for personal gain be capable of delivering that?"

Mr Portillo yesterday became the first Tory to enter the race for party leadership.

Shadow Defence Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has also confirmed he is considering standing.

Backbencher David Davis is expected to announce his bid soon.

Updated: 11.55 Thursday, June 14