11/01/2006

Third Lib Dem candidate 'may stand' for leader

A third Liberal Democrat MP has said that he may enter the party leadership contest.

Chris Huhne, the MP for Eastleigh and the party's economic spokesperson said that he was considering running for party leader.

Only two candidates have entered the race so far - acting leader Sir Menzies Campbell and home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten.

Party president Simon Hughes is also expected to stand, but has not yet made an official announcement.

The leadership race was sparked by Charles Kennedy's resignation on Saturday, two days after making a personal statement admitting to a drink problem.

The nominations for party leader close on January 25 and ballot papers will be sent to the party's 73,000 members on February 6.

The members will have until March 1 to decide whom they want as party leader and the result will be announced on March 2.

Sir Menzies, who is reported to have the backing of more than a third of the party's MPs, as well as the support of two of the party's former leaders - Lord Steel and Lord Ashdown - is currently the bookies favourite to succeed Mr Kennedy.

(KMcA)


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