Responding to questions about his party intentions following Ming Campbell's resignation, Simon Hughes MP, President of the Liberal Democrats, said:

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 16th Oct 2007

''Nominations have now opened for candidates who wish to put themselves forward to be the next Leader of the Liberal Democrats. Until the new Leader is elected, Vince Cable MP, our Deputy Leader in the House of Commons, and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, has become acting Leader.

''I wish to make clear that Vince Cable has my full support as he leads the party over the next few weeks. I shall not put forward my name in this leadership election. I shall be fully occupied working for my constituents in North Southwark and Bermondsey and serving as Federal Party President as well as continuing with my duties in the House of Commons.

''I repeat my personal thanks and gratitude to Ming for all his work and leadership of the party. Ming Campbell made a typically brave personal decision and deserves the continuing respect of all his colleagues. Ming and Elspeth have been much loved and hugely admired - and nothing will change this''.