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12/01/2006
More MPs enter Lib Dem leadership race
Two more Liberal Democrat MPs have declared the intention to enter the party leadership contest.
Party president Simon Hughes declared that he would enter the race to succeed Charles Kennedy, who resigned at the weekend after admitting to a drink problem.
Mr Hughes, who was beaten by Mr Kennedy during the leadership election in 1999, formally announced his intention to stand at the Oxo Tower in London.
The 54-year-old MP for Bermondsey said that he believed he could unite the party and said he had the "ambition, enthusiasm and passion" to lead the party to greater electoral success. He said: "What I offer is the experience of many years in Parliament and campaigning around the country to motivate people to join us."
Newly elected MP Chris Huhne has also declared his intention to stand. Mr Huhne, 51, is a former MEP and Guardian journalist, who became MP for Eastleigh at the last general election.
The other declared candidates in the race so far are the party's acting leader Sir Menzies Campbell and the party's home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten.
Sir Menzies, who is believed to have the support of more than a third of the party's MPs, as well as the backing of two of the party's former leaders -Lord Steel and Lord Ashdown - is the current favourite.
In order to enter the leadership contest, an MP has to receive the backing of at least seven Liberal Democrat MPs. However, MPs can nominate more than one candidate.
The deadline for candidate nominations is January 25. Ballots will be sent to party members on February 6 and the vote will close on March 1. The new party leader will be announced on March 2.
(KMcA/GB)
Party president Simon Hughes declared that he would enter the race to succeed Charles Kennedy, who resigned at the weekend after admitting to a drink problem.
Mr Hughes, who was beaten by Mr Kennedy during the leadership election in 1999, formally announced his intention to stand at the Oxo Tower in London.
The 54-year-old MP for Bermondsey said that he believed he could unite the party and said he had the "ambition, enthusiasm and passion" to lead the party to greater electoral success. He said: "What I offer is the experience of many years in Parliament and campaigning around the country to motivate people to join us."
Newly elected MP Chris Huhne has also declared his intention to stand. Mr Huhne, 51, is a former MEP and Guardian journalist, who became MP for Eastleigh at the last general election.
The other declared candidates in the race so far are the party's acting leader Sir Menzies Campbell and the party's home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten.
Sir Menzies, who is believed to have the support of more than a third of the party's MPs, as well as the backing of two of the party's former leaders -Lord Steel and Lord Ashdown - is the current favourite.
In order to enter the leadership contest, an MP has to receive the backing of at least seven Liberal Democrat MPs. However, MPs can nominate more than one candidate.
The deadline for candidate nominations is January 25. Ballots will be sent to party members on February 6 and the vote will close on March 1. The new party leader will be announced on March 2.
(KMcA/GB)
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