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17/10/2007
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.
Other people expected to run include Steve Webb, who writes the party's manifesto and the party's universities spokesperson Sarah Teather.
However, the party's acting leader Vince Cable has confirmed that he will not be running, along with transport spokesperson Susan Kramer and Ed Davey, former leader Sir Menzies Campbell's chief of staff. Party president Simon Hughes has also ruled himself out of the contest.
Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has also told the BBC that it is "highly unlikely" that he will enter the race to become leader again.
Nominations for contest opened on Tuesday and will close on October 31. Ballot papers will then be sent out to Liberal Democrats across the UK from November 21 and the new party leader will be announced on December 17.
Sir Menzies made his shock announcement that he was stepping down as party leader on Monday, just 18 months after taking over the role from Charles Kennedy.
Sir Menzies said that questions about the leadership were getting in the way of further progress by the party.
(KMcA)
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.
Other people expected to run include Steve Webb, who writes the party's manifesto and the party's universities spokesperson Sarah Teather.
However, the party's acting leader Vince Cable has confirmed that he will not be running, along with transport spokesperson Susan Kramer and Ed Davey, former leader Sir Menzies Campbell's chief of staff. Party president Simon Hughes has also ruled himself out of the contest.
Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has also told the BBC that it is "highly unlikely" that he will enter the race to become leader again.
Nominations for contest opened on Tuesday and will close on October 31. Ballot papers will then be sent out to Liberal Democrats across the UK from November 21 and the new party leader will be announced on December 17.
Sir Menzies made his shock announcement that he was stepping down as party leader on Monday, just 18 months after taking over the role from Charles Kennedy.
Sir Menzies said that questions about the leadership were getting in the way of further progress by the party.
(KMcA)
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25 January 2006
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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.
13 January 2006
Huhne enters Lib Dem leadership race
Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Chris Huhne has become the fourth candidate to enter the party's leadership contest. The 51-year-old, who became MP for Eastleigh at the last general election, is a former MEP and Guardian journalist.
Huhne enters Lib Dem leadership race
Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Chris Huhne has become the fourth candidate to enter the party's leadership contest. The 51-year-old, who became MP for Eastleigh at the last general election, is a former MEP and Guardian journalist.
28 April 2004
Blair defends coalition forces 'right to defence'
During Prime Minister's question time today, Tony Blair fielded questions on the deteriorating situation in Iraq and defended American forces' right to defend themselves against insurgents. Mr Blair told the House it was "perfectly right and proper" for US forces fired upon in Falluja to "take action against those insurgents".
Blair defends coalition forces 'right to defence'
During Prime Minister's question time today, Tony Blair fielded questions on the deteriorating situation in Iraq and defended American forces' right to defend themselves against insurgents. Mr Blair told the House it was "perfectly right and proper" for US forces fired upon in Falluja to "take action against those insurgents".
02 March 2006
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.
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.
14 April 2005
Liberal Democrats launch manifesto for a fairer Britain
The Liberal Democrats have launched their election manifesto, promising “dignity for older people, real opportunity for our children and a fair deal for families”. Declaring his party the “real alternative”, Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy laid out the party’s priorities for the election campaign.
Liberal Democrats launch manifesto for a fairer Britain
The Liberal Democrats have launched their election manifesto, promising “dignity for older people, real opportunity for our children and a fair deal for families”. Declaring his party the “real alternative”, Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy laid out the party’s priorities for the election campaign.
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