Witney MP David Cameron is set to officially launch his bid to become the Conservative Party leader next week.
After months of speculation about his intentions, sources close to the Shadow Education Secretary have indicated that he is ready to declare his candidacy on Thursday (September 29).
The announcement will come just days before the Conservative Party conference starts in Blackpool on Monday, October 3.
It is also expected to coincide with the launch of a rival bid for the leadership from David Davis, the Shadow Home Secretary, also pencilled in for Thursday.
The conference is expected to be dominated by the leadership race, with all of the challengers being given a 15-minute slot to address the party in a so-called "beauty parade".
Mr Cameron has been scheduled to speak on the second day.
The Oxford Mail learned of the imminent launch of his bid as outgoing Tory leader Michael Howard announced yesterday (September 22) that the leadership race would begin in two weeks' time.
He said that he would formally announce his resignation after he has made his closing speech to the party conference.
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