Chris Huhne MP for Eastleigh, declares intention to stand as a candidate for Leader of the Liberal Democrats

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 18th Oct 2007

In a statement yesterday afternoon, Chris Huhne has confirmed that he will be standing as a candidate for leader of the Liberal Democrats. In his statement, Chris paid tribute to former leaders Ming Campbell and Charles Kennedy, and set a first priority as leader to get the message across that the Liberal Democrats will fight for 'A fairer and greener society with people in charge.'

"I will stand for the leadership of our party.

"I've spoken to my family and my friends, and I believe I can lead our talented team of parliamentarians to our greatest successes yet. The best is still to come for our party. Charles Kennedy took us to new heights and Ming has put the foundations in place for further progress. The greatest tribute we can pay Ming is to forge ahead with ambition and courage for our party.

"As leader, my first priority will be to make sure every voter knows what it means to be a Liberal Democrat. That's vital. And I can do it in nine words: 'A fairer and greener society with people in charge.'

"Too many people feel they don't have control over their own lives. It is disgusting that we live in a country where a child born into poverty has a life sentence.

"Too many people are imprisoned by bad luck and lack of opportunity. I want to free them. We need to create greater opportunities for everyone to shape their own lives, and not feel bullied by global forces or bossy government. Chances for everyone to strive, thrive and succeed.

"Today I am reiterating my commitment to lead a Party that is radical; green; honest and angry about the gross unfairness in Britain. We stand apart from the other two parties. We want to change not just the Government, but our democracy and our society. No other party begins to understand how we need to reconnect people to their parliament.

"I look forward to talking to members in this campaign and learning from them. I will be running a campaign that engages with them, as well as making it crystal clear what I stand for and where I'll take the party. We need to fight for a fairer Britain, and we need to give power to people and communities. We need a clear champion who can make that case. That's why I want to lead the Liberal Democrats."