Tory leadership contender Ken Clarke was struggling to win the backing of West Midlands MPs last night, despite his Birmingham background.

The former Chancellor was based in the city for 16 years when he worked as a barrister in the region's courts.

Last night he launched his campaign to become the next Conservative leader, declaring: "I am the man to do it."

But he failed to gain the backing of Birmingham's sole Tory MP, Andrew Mitchell (Con Sutton Coldfield), who is supporting rival candidate David Davis, the shadow Home Secretary.

Mr Mitchell said: "Ken is one of the very big beasts in the party. It is clearly going to be a contest between him and David Davis. They are the true frontrunners.

"I supported Ken last time, he is a good friend of mine. But I think that his time has gone, and that the right man to lead the Tory party now, in the dire position that we are in as a party, is David Davis."

Peter Luff ( Con Mid Worcestershire), who backed Mr Clarke in a failed leadership bid four years ago, said: "It was his for the asking last time - if he'd worked a bit harder and been willing to make a few compromises.

"He is a great guy and I like him a lot, but I am unimpressed by the plausibility of his bid."

Mr Luff is backing David Cameron, the shadow Education Secretary, to be party leader.

John Maples (Con Stratford), who supported Mr Clarke in 2001, has also defected and will support Mr Davis.

He said: "It's true I have given my backing to David Davis this time, but Ken is a terrific guy and we are lucky to have two good candidates."

Other MPs who have come out for Mr Davis include Julie Kirkbride (Con Bromsgrove), while Staffordshire MP Michael Fabricant ( Con Lichfield) is believed to be a supporter.

Mr Clarke, who worked on the Midland circuit from 1963 to 1979 and lived in Moseley, stood for the Conservative leadership in 1997 and 2001.

The Conservatives have lost three General Elections in a row, but hope to make a comeback at the next poll when Tony Blair will have resigned as Labour leader.

Mr Clarke's supporters argue he will be able to expose Labour's failings over Iraq, as someone who always opposed the war.

Mr Clarke said: "I am getting frustrated by the fact that we have been out of office for eight years.

"I desperately want to lead the Conservative Party to make quicker progress back into power."

He insisted his former support for the euro, which placed him at odds with many in his own party, would not ruin his chances. He has attempted to defuse the issue by revealing he no longer believes Britain should join the euro.

"I said that the question of Britain's admission wouldn't arise for at least ten years. That's not controversial, it's pure blind obvious. I don't think we're going to have any more silly arguments about treaties and constitutions. The constitution is dead."

He will set out his values and vision for the party with a major speech in London today.