Michael Howard appears set to complete a remarkable political comeback.

The 62-year-old former home secretary is the frontrunner in what many expect to be a quick election process.

After the youth of William Hague and the inexperience of Iain Duncan Smith, the party is looking to an elder statesman to put it on the path to power.

Conscious that a protracted election battle could do the party grave damage, MPs hope the election will be a foregone conclusion. The word coronation is on the lips of MPs who were once addicted to the high octane frenzy of the leadership contest.

Howard is seen as a capable and combative performer. But he is also facing a strong challenge from the Liberal Democrats in his Kent constituency.

While most Tories doubt he has the ability to achieve popularity of Blairesque proportions, they believe he can put the party back on the road to victory.

Analytical and aggressive, he will pursue the prime minister with a single minded determination to expose the weaknesses of a Labour government entering trouble territory.

But his links to the Major era - coupled Ann Widdecombe's "something of the night" attack - are a reminder that he would not be a risk-free leader.

As home secretary he was characterised as brutal and right wing.

Despite his tough reputation, many Tories believe his tonic is just what the party needs at a time when government weaknesses are becoming clear.

Howard's stock has risen since he decided to rejoin the Conservative frontbench under Iain Duncan Smith.

As shadow chancellor he landed a series of blows on Gordon Brown as the Treasury chief's management of the economy faltered.

He began to be talked of as a potential leader following a barnstorming Commons performance after last year's Pre-Budget Report.

Howard slammed the "downgraded forecasts of a downgraded chancellor".

The speech demonstrated a quick mastery of material and an ability to think on his feet.

Yet Howard's media presence - crucial in modern politics - is less commanding.

Polls of public opinion reveal voters still remember him as a high profile and unpopular member in John Major's administration.

It was fears over his electoral appeal that led to his defeat in the 1997 Tory leadership election.

MPs turned against Howard following a bitter Commons attack by Widdecombe.

The former minister's claim that Howard had "something of the night about him" scuppered his chances and led William Hague to rip up a "dream ticket" deal.

Despite his rejection, Howard remained a loyal member of the Tory fold and set about a political regeneration.

And six years after they spurned his advances, Tory MPs now appear set to go Howard's way.