There will be no women-only shortlists in the Conservative Party, according to its party chairman.

In a move likely to play badly to modernisers, David Davis ruled out women-only short lists. It would not be quotas but "decent policies" that would attract more people to an inclusive Tory party he argued.

"The Conservative party should be open to everyone. I want us to attract more women, more people from ethnic minorities, more young activists, people from every walk of life and every corner of Britain," he said.

"We will do this by shaping relevant and decent policies that are attractive to everyone, not by quotas or gestures that undermine the very principles of freedom and equal opportunity for which we stand."

In his speech to the Conservative rank and file, Davis also said the party must stop apologising for the past saying it was time look to the future.

He also paid tribute to former party leader William Hague.

"William's brilliant oratory and his performances in the House of Commons inspired us all. Through all the difficulties he faced his spirit never failed. I, for one, will never forget the courage and dignity with which he, with Ffion at his side, faced up to our defeat in June," he said.

Davis made a direct call for unity, making clear the years of undermining the leadership from the sidelines were over.

"We have had our debate; we have elected Iain overwhelmingly; now is the time for everyone in our party - and I mean everyone - to put aside past differences, work together, and give our new leader the united and loyal support he deserves," he said.

"We will have to stop speaking to ourselves as we have too often in the last 10 years - self-indulgently and self-destructively," Davis said.

The party's new direction would not involve the creation of a new version of Labour.

"There are some who believe that change means aping new Labour. That is superficial and wrong. If we abandon our principles, we will never deservepower," he said.

Announcing a new policy group, he said there would be "no no-go areas" for modern Conservatives. The party would focus on public services offering morefreedom and choice in health and education.

"We will look at the best examples of how services are delivered in other countries, and in Conservative councils in this country, and we will learn from them," he said.

Davis then turned his attention to the Lib Dems and their plans to become the effective opposition.

"They have been let off too lightly for too long. I gather Mr Kennedy thinks he should be leader of the opposition," he said. "Not that they are real opposition - they are in the big tent with Labour. They support the same tax rising, high spending, intervening left wing agenda."

The party's aim should be to renew itself for the new century, he concluded.

"The Conservative Party was the greatest political force of the 20th century and the century before that. My ambition is simple; to set us on the way tobeing the greatest political force of the 21st century, too," he said.