Huhne first official candidate for Lib Dem leader

Huhne hands in nomination form

Thursday, 25, Oct 2007 12:00

Chris Huhne has become the first official contender for the Liberal Democrat leadership after formally declaring his nominations.

Mr Huhne, currently the party's environment spokesman, handed in his nomination paper today, revealing support from ten MPs, 12 peers, four MSPs and an AM.

He also has the backing of 200 ordinary members from 20 constituencies, as set out in the party's leadership rules.

Mr Huhne's backers include the frontbenchers Lynne Featherstone, Susan Kramer, Tom Brake, and Sandra Gidley.

With his main rival Nick Clegg expected to poll significantly stronger support among the party's 63 MPs, Mr Huhne said he would lead a "true grassroots movement."

Declaring his nominations, he said: "I am delighted to be standing for the leadership of the Liberal Democrats.

"We have been inundated with messages of support and offers of help from ordinary members all over the country."

Mr Clegg, the Lib Dem home affairs spokesman, has until October 31 to hand in his nomination form.

The bookies' favourite, he already has verbal backing from 26 Liberal Democrat MPs, including Ed Davey, David Laws and Norman Lamb.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown has also come out in support of Mr Clegg.

The two candidates admit they differ little in policy and the campaign is expected to centre on personality.

Educated at Westminster and a former journalist, Mr Clegg has been likened to David Cameron. He has been keen to avoid such comparisons, however, and insists his politics is motivated by an opposition to Thatcherism.

Mr Huhne can claim to be the more experienced candidate and has promised to defend the liberal commitment to proportional representation and electoral reform.

Postal ballots will be circulated to all party members before a winner is announced in December.