Huhne now the man to beat - Liz Lynne

5.04.34pm GMT Fri 10th Feb 2006

Yesterday's polls and Question Time appearance make Chris Huhne the new favourite for the Lib Dem leadership, West Midlands MEP Liz Lynne said today.

A YouGov poll of 401 members yesterday put Chris Huhne in front, on 38%, with Sir Menzies Campbell on 34% and Simon Hughes on 27%. When second preference votes were taken into consideration, Chris Huhne maintained his four point lead, scoring 52% over Sir Menzies Campbell's 48%.

The poll was followed last night by a special leadership edition of BBC Question Time, featuring all three candidates.

Liz Lynne said:

"This latest poll shows that the momentum is with Chris, and he is now the man to beat. He was a strong performer on Question Time for the second week running, and it seems as if all his hard work is paying off."

"Chris will be a strong unifying candidate, and has run a committed, energetic campaign based on sound policies. Last night's by-election victory in Dunfermline and West Fife shows this party's potential, and I believe he will lead us to further success."

"I posted my vote for Chris today, and I urge my fellow members to do likewise."

ENDS