Huhne ready to move for Lib Dem lead

LIB Dem environment spokesman Chris Huhne was today poised to become the first contestant to declare his hand in the race to succeed Sir Menzies Campbell as the party's leader.

Mr Huhne- who was runner-up in the contest 18 months ago - was this morning preparing to announce his candidature, putting pressure on his rivals to do the same.

Acting leader and treasury spokesman Vincent Cable took Sir Menzies' place at Prime Minister's Questions today and is also expected to run.

So far the other front runner - home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg - has remained silent although he did reveal to a fringe meeting at the Lib Dem conference in Brighton last month that he probably would run if Sir Menzies stood down.

Others considering standing include Steve Webb, in charge of the election manifesto, and Birmingham MP John Hemming.