19/10/2007

Clegg Launches Campaign For Lib Dem Leadership

Nick Clegg has launched his campaign for the Liberal Democrat leadership, becoming the second candidate to declare their intention to run so far.

Mr Clegg, the party's home affairs spokesperson, launched his campaign in his Sheffield Hallam constituency on Friday.

Mr Clegg's announcement comes two days after Chris Huhne, the party's environment spokesperson launched his campaign for the party leadership.

Mr Clegg, 40, is currently the bookmaker's favourite to win the contest. Mr Huhne, 53, ran in the last leadership election, when Sir Menzies Campbell became party leader.

On Thursday, Steve Webb, who writes the party's manifesto, announced that he would not be entering the leadership contest, but said that he would support Mr Clegg's campaign.

The party's acting leader Vince Cable has also confirmed that he will not be entering the race, along with transport spokesperson Susan Kramer, Ed Davey, who was Sir Menzies' chief of staff and party president Simon Hughes.

The leadership contest was sparked by Sir Menzies' shock resignation as party leader on Monday, just 18 months after taking over the role from Charles Kennedy.

Nominations for the 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.

(KMcA)


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