Huhne announces his intention to run
Chris Huhne is the first candidate to announce his intention to run for the Liberal Democrat leadership, following the resignation of Menzies Campbell on Monday night.
Yesterday, the environment spokesman was said to be canvassing support among fellow party members and discussing the move with his family.
Mr Huhne ran in 2006 following the resignation of Charles Kennedy, but ultimately came in runner-up to Menzies Campbell, who won 8,069 more votes.
Throwing his hat into the ring once again this afternoon, Mr Huhne said: “No Liberal Democrat could possibly stand for the leadership without stressing the importance of freedom, not just of course freedom from oppression but from the intrusive state”.
He summed up his agenda by saying he would stand for “a fairer and greener society”, where power would be handed back to individuals.
The MP for Eastleigh became a member of parliament in May 2005, following the last general election.
Before 2005, he worked as a City economist and a freelance journalist for nineteen years – writing columns for the The Financial Times and The New Statesman.
He then moved on to serve as a member of the European parliament for six years.
As environment spokesman, he has pressed for increased green taxation and centred green issues at the heart of Lib Dem policy.
He has also heavily opposed Labour’s anti-terror laws, asserting they threaten civil liberties, and has demanded troops be withdrawn from Iraq.
He is widely regarded to be less inspiring than his expected rival, Nick Clegg, and the two will find it difficult to distinguish their policies, as they occupy much of the same political terrain and converge on several key issues.
Asked how he intends to make a distinction between himself and his rival, Mr Huhne said: “We are very much a part of the same team.
“Nick and I are both absolutely determined that whoever wins this campaign – or indeed if another candidate wins this campaign – we will build on the community the Liberal Democrats have become known for.”
Mr Huhne used strong rhetoric to describe social conditions in Britain today, describing the inequalities preventing children from disadvantaged backgrounds from succeeding as “disgusting”.
Speaking on the need for prison reform, the environment secretary said: “I think too many people are imprisoned by bad luck and due to lack of opportunity.
“I want to create greater opportunities for everyone to create their own lives.
“We need to create a fairer Britain and…we need a clear champion to make that case.”
It has been reported that Mr Huhne played a part in the resignation of Sir Menzies.
But, he fiercely contested this accusation, insisting he had been “scrupulously loyal” to the former leader.
