Two-horse race likely for leadership of UK Liberal Democrats
{{date|October 19, 2007}}
[[Image:Libdemslogo.png|right|thumb|Liberal Democrat logo]]
The leadership election for the [[w:Liberal Democrats|Liberal Democrats]], the [[United Kingdom|UK]]'s third party, is looking increasingly likely to be between two candidates. Environment spokesman [[w:Chris Huhne|Chris Huhne]], who launched his leadership bid on Wednesday 17 October, has been joined in the race today by his [[w:frontbencher|frontbench]] colleague [[w:Nick Clegg|Nick Clegg]], the Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman. All other likely contenders have ruled themselves out.
[[Image:Chris Huhne.jpg|left|thumb|Chris Huhne]]
[[w:Steve Webb|Steve Webb]], chair of the party's manifesto group and considered to be on the left wing of the party, gathered enough support from Liberal Democrat [[w:Member of Parliament|MP]]s to stand. But he withdrew from the contest and gave his support to Mr Clegg, citing the "huge cost" to his family if he became leader and his confidence in Mr Clegg's abilities.
[[w:Backbencher|Backbencher]] [[w:John Hemming (politician)|John Hemming]], who had stated his intention to stand, ruled himself yesterday, saying that he has been unable to gather the necessary seven nominations from Liberal Democrat MPs. Mr Hemming, MP for [[w:Birmingham Yardley (UK Parliament constituency)|Birmingham Yardley]], wrote on his blog: "I will, however, not decide for now who I will support and I will announce that in the future when I have discussed matters with the other candidates and colleagues in Birmingham."

==Related news==
{{wikinews|title=United Kingdom's Liberal Democrat leader resigns|date=October 15, 2007}}

{{haveyoursay}}
== Sources ==
*{{source|url=http://politics.guardian.co.uk/libdems/story/0,,2194605,00.html
|title=Boost for Clegg as potential rival stands aside in Lib Dem race
|author=Tania Branigan
|pub=The Guardian
|date=October 19, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7051863.stm
|title=Clegg launches Lib Dem leader bid
|author=
|pub=BBC News Online
|date=October 19, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article3075672.ece
|title='Be bolder' urges Clegg as he launches leadership campaign
|author=
|pub=The Independent
|date=October 19, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7050318.stm
|title=Clegg picking up Lib Dem backers
|author=
|pub=BBC News Online
|date=October 18, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://johnhemming.blogspot.com/2007/10/leadership-election.html
|title=Leadership Election
|author=John Hemming
|pub=John Hemming's Web Log
|date=October 18, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7048050.stm
|title=Huhne launches leadership battle
|author=
|pub=BBC News Online
|date=October 17, 2007}}

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[[Category:Politics and conflicts]]
[[Category:United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Europe]]
[[Category:Nick Clegg]]
Liberal Democrat logo
The leadership election for the Liberal Democrats, the UK's third party, is looking increasingly likely to be between two candidates. Environment spokesman Chris Huhne, who launched his leadership bid on Wednesday 17 October, has been joined in the race today by his frontbench colleague Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman. All other likely contenders have ruled themselves out.
Chris Huhne
Steve Webb, chair of the party's manifesto group and considered to be on the left wing of the party, gathered enough support from Liberal Democrat MPs to stand. But he withdrew from the contest and gave his support to Mr Clegg, citing the "huge cost" to his family if he became leader and his confidence in Mr Clegg's abilities.
Backbencher John Hemming, who had stated his intention to stand, ruled himself yesterday, saying that he has been unable to gather the necessary seven nominations from Liberal Democrat MPs. Mr Hemming, MP for Birmingham Yardley, wrote on his blog: "I will, however, not decide for now who I will support and I will announce that in the future when I have discussed matters with the other candidates and colleagues in Birmingham."
Politics and conflicts United Kingdom Europe Nick Clegg