Sir Malcolm's resignation ignites a battle for one of the most coveted Conservative seats at Westminster, Kensington.
The extremely wealthy constituency right in the heart of London is considered very safe Tory territory.
Bookies last night gave odds on a host of famous names - including some more likely then others to stand.
Ruth Davidson surprisingly appeared on the list - despite her job as the party leader in Scotland.
A Scottish Tory source said: "We'd advise people not to place that bet."
Also included in the list were James Cracknell, the Olympic rower and TV presenter who tried unsuccessfully to become a Tory MEP last May and Andrew Strauss, the cricketer.
London Mayor Boris Johnson who might have been expected to stand in the seat has already been selected as the candidate for Uxbridge.
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