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25/01/2006
Lib Dems leadership nominations close
Nominations for the leadership of the Liberal Democrat party have closed.
Three candidates will take part in the leadership contest - acting party leader Sir Menzies Campbell is seen as the favourite, followed by party president Simon Hughes and newly elected MP Chris Huhne, who is the party's economic spokesperson.
However, an ICM poll in 'The Guardian' found that Mr Hughes had the most support among ordinary voters, polling 51%, compared to Sir Menzies' 29% and Mr Huhne's 20%.
The party's 73,000-strong membership will have until March 1 to vote for the new party leader and the result will be announced on March 2.
The Liberal Democrats have endured a tough year so far. Former party leader Charles Kennedy resigned at the start of the month, after admitting that he had a drink problem.
Mark Oaten also resigned as the party's home affairs spokesperson last weekend following allegations that he had visited a male prostitute. Mr Oaten had also been a contender in the leadership contest, but announced last week that he was dropping out due to lack of support among fellow MPs.
On Wednesday, Adrian Graves, a former election candidate, announced that he was leaving the Liberal Democrats to join the Conservatives. Mr Grave, who stood as a Liberal Democrat candidate in Suffolk West in 1997 and 2005, but was unsuccessful, said that David Cameron's arrival as Tory leader had brought about a "fundamental shift in both the direction and political atmosphere" in the party.
(KMcA/SP)
Three candidates will take part in the leadership contest - acting party leader Sir Menzies Campbell is seen as the favourite, followed by party president Simon Hughes and newly elected MP Chris Huhne, who is the party's economic spokesperson.
However, an ICM poll in 'The Guardian' found that Mr Hughes had the most support among ordinary voters, polling 51%, compared to Sir Menzies' 29% and Mr Huhne's 20%.
The party's 73,000-strong membership will have until March 1 to vote for the new party leader and the result will be announced on March 2.
The Liberal Democrats have endured a tough year so far. Former party leader Charles Kennedy resigned at the start of the month, after admitting that he had a drink problem.
Mark Oaten also resigned as the party's home affairs spokesperson last weekend following allegations that he had visited a male prostitute. Mr Oaten had also been a contender in the leadership contest, but announced last week that he was dropping out due to lack of support among fellow MPs.
On Wednesday, Adrian Graves, a former election candidate, announced that he was leaving the Liberal Democrats to join the Conservatives. Mr Grave, who stood as a Liberal Democrat candidate in Suffolk West in 1997 and 2005, but was unsuccessful, said that David Cameron's arrival as Tory leader had brought about a "fundamental shift in both the direction and political atmosphere" in the party.
(KMcA/SP)
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Sir Menzies becomes new Lib Dem leader
Sir Menzies Campbell has won the Liberal Democrat leadership contest to become party leader. Sir Menzies, the party's foreign affairs spokesperson and the acting party leader, gained 58% of the final round vote. He beat Chris Huhne, the party's economic spokesperson, who came second, and party president Simon Hughes, who came third.
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17 October 2007
Lib Dem Leadership Candidates Jockey For Position
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Lib Dem Leadership Candidates Jockey For Position
Speculation is beginning to mount over who will be entering the Liberal Democrat leadership contest. The party's environment spokesperson Chris Huhne was the first to announce that he would be entering the race. Mr Huhne, along with the party's home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg, are currently considered to be the frontrunners for the job.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
