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Lib Dem hopefuls go head-to-head Lib Dem hopefuls go head-to-head
(about 10 hours later)
The only two Liberal Democrat MPs to declare themselves as candidates for the party leadership so far are to go head-to-head at a conference later.The only two Liberal Democrat MPs to declare themselves as candidates for the party leadership so far are to go head-to-head at a conference later.
Chris Huhne and Nick Clegg will address a conference of party activists in Berkshire, which was planned before Sir Menzies Campbell resigned as leader.Chris Huhne and Nick Clegg will address a conference of party activists in Berkshire, which was planned before Sir Menzies Campbell resigned as leader.
It will be the first chance for some of those who will choose their next leader to see those bidding for the job.It will be the first chance for some of those who will choose their next leader to see those bidding for the job.
Sir Menzies' successor will be announced in December.Sir Menzies' successor will be announced in December.
Any other potential candidates have another 10 days to put themselves forward for the position.Any other potential candidates have another 10 days to put themselves forward for the position.
Two-horse raceTwo-horse race
Mr Clegg, who is 40 and the party's home affairs spokesman, announced his candidacy on Friday.Mr Clegg, who is 40 and the party's home affairs spokesman, announced his candidacy on Friday.
He is the current favourite to win the leadership contest.He is the current favourite to win the leadership contest.
NICK CLEGG AGE: 40JOB: Home Affairs spokesmanFAMILY: Married, two childrenEDUCATION: Westminster School, Cambridge UniversityBEFORE MP: Journalist, lecturer and Euro MP Profile: Nick Clegg Campaign launch
At his launch in his Sheffield Hallam constituency, Mr Clegg told activists the party had been "caught-up in internal self-analysis" for the past two years.At his launch in his Sheffield Hallam constituency, Mr Clegg told activists the party had been "caught-up in internal self-analysis" for the past two years.
"We cannot go on testing the patience of the British people. We must come together now and make a long-term commitment to British Liberalism."We cannot go on testing the patience of the British people. We must come together now and make a long-term commitment to British Liberalism.
"We must step up or risk falling back for good.""We must step up or risk falling back for good."
Mr Huhne, 53, the party's environment spokesman, launched his leadership bid at a Westminster restaurant on Wednesday.Mr Huhne, 53, the party's environment spokesman, launched his leadership bid at a Westminster restaurant on Wednesday.
He said he wanted the party to be committed to the idea that "everybody's individual worth and chance is given its full possibility".He said he wanted the party to be committed to the idea that "everybody's individual worth and chance is given its full possibility".
CHRIS HUHNE AGE: 53JOB: Environment spokesmanFAMILY: Married, five childrenEDUCATION: Westminster School, Oxford UniversityBEFORE MP: Journalist, businessman and Euro MP Profile: Chris Huhne Campaign launch
Mr Clegg told the BBC on Friday that the contest would, in all probability, be a two-horse race.Mr Clegg told the BBC on Friday that the contest would, in all probability, be a two-horse race.
Both men attended the same public school and were MEPs before entering Parliament in 2005.Both men attended the same public school and were MEPs before entering Parliament in 2005.
'Content' Kennedy'Content' Kennedy
The leadership race was prompted by the surprise resignation of Sir Menzies on Monday.The leadership race was prompted by the surprise resignation of Sir Menzies on Monday.
He said questions about his leadership were "getting in the way of further progress by the party".He said questions about his leadership were "getting in the way of further progress by the party".
A number of senior figures - including acting leader Vince Cable and MP David Laws - have ruled themselves out of the running to replace him.A number of senior figures - including acting leader Vince Cable and MP David Laws - have ruled themselves out of the running to replace him.
Meanwhile, former leader Charles Kennedy has said he will not be endorsing a candidate and is unlikely to throw his own hat into the ring despite receiving "thousands" of e-mails urging him to do so.Meanwhile, former leader Charles Kennedy has said he will not be endorsing a candidate and is unlikely to throw his own hat into the ring despite receiving "thousands" of e-mails urging him to do so.
Mr Kennedy, who quit in early 2006, insisted he was "content" with his life at present.Mr Kennedy, who quit in early 2006, insisted he was "content" with his life at present.