SKIPTON MP David Curry was one of the group who submitted a letter demanding a vote of no confidence in Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith.

That triggered the vote which brought about Mr Duncan Smith's downfall this week.

Now Mr Curry is calling on likely successor Michael Howard to "do to the Conservatives what Neil Kinnock and John Smith did to Labour." He said the new leader would have the chance to transform the party so "people don't see us as something which has descended from Planet Zog".

Mr Curry met with his constituency association last week where he said there was virtually unanimous agreement that questions over Mr Duncan Smith's leadership had to be brought to a head.

"His authority had completely drained away, questions over his leadership had been around for a long time and the party was made to look absurd," said Mr Curry.

He said he would hope for four things from the new leader.

Firstly the Conservatives should end any talk of tax cuts until it had reformed and renewed public services. Secondly it should adopt a liberal position on social issues rather than appearing to the public as out of date.

Thirdly he wanted the new leader to adopt a "sensible, moderate" position on Europe - "I am not going to get someone as pro-Europe as me, but I want constructive scepticism not destructive opposition," he said.

Fourthly he wanted a broad-based team which reflected all views in the party and would appear capable of Government to the electorate.

Asked if he could make a reappearance in the Shadow Cabinet after resigning as Shadow Agriculture Minister from William Hague's team because of its flat refusal to consider joining the Euro, Mr Curry said his relationship with Michael Howard was "courteous but not particularly close". If he was invited to join his team he would seriously consider it, although he was enjoying his current role as chairman of a Commons Select Committee.