So – Nick Clegg has announced his candidacy for the leadership. I didn’t really think he was likely to be overcome by an attack of modesty and not put his name forward – so the battle (friendly and positive) is joined.

At the same time, we get great news today that some of Charles Kennedy’s core team is coming to help our campaign! Chris Huhne today confirmed that Dick Newby and Anna Werrin would be playing key roles in his leadership campaign team. Lord Newby will serve as the campaign’s Treasurer and Anna Werrin will be Campaign Manager. Both previously worked for Charles Kennedy when he was Leader of the Liberal Democrats – Dick Newby as Chief of Staff and Anna Werrin as Head of Office.