Party members and supporters reveals that there is strong support for MPs making the final decision but also strong support for ordinary party members having a formal say in the process. The same survey finds David Davis to be the most popular choice amongst respondents. 21 July 2005 – MPs finish voting on proposals to change the rules and back a system that gives them the final say. Objections to removing the role of grassroots members are made by the Campaign for Conservative Democracy and by prominent Conservative MPs including Theresa May, Andrew Lansley, Iain Duncan Smith, Michael Ancram and David Willets. 27 August 2005 – Tim Yeo announces that he will not stand as the leader of the Conservative Party as he thinks that the Pro-European Kenneth Clarke is the best candidate to succeed Michael Howard as Conservative leader. He said that he would not stand but he would support Kenneth Clarke through the Leadership Election. 31 August 2005 – After a day of expectation Kenneth Clarke formally launches his bid. Supporters at his press conference include Ann Widdecombe, John Bercow and Tim Yeo. 5 September 2005 – Liam Fox declares his intention to stand as leader of the Conservative party. 27 September 2005 – Proposal to change the rules for electing a new leader is rejected. 29 September 2005 – David Davis and David Cameron both officially launch their election campaigns. 3 October 2005 – Andrew Lansley rules himself out of the contest, citing a lack of support. 5 October 2005 – Deputy Leader Michael Ancram rules himself out of the contest, citing a lack of support. He also announces he will return to the backbenches when the new leader is elected. 11 October 2005 – Sir Malcolm Rifkind announces that he will no longer stand in the contest for the leadership, and backs Kenneth Clarke. 12 October 2005 – Theresa May rules herself out of the contest, and backs David Cameron. 12 October 2005 – It is reported that the Cornerstone Group of right-wing Conservative MPs will not field a candidate of their own, otherwise expected to be Edward Leigh, but will instead support Liam Fox. 18 October 2005 – Kenneth Clarke is eliminated in the first ballot of MPs. 20 October 2005 – Liam Fox is eliminated in the second ballot of MPs. 13 November 2005 – Former Conservative leader William Hague declares his support for