2007 Liberal Democrats leadership election explained

Election Name:2007 Liberal Democrats leadership election
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2006 Liberal Democrats leadership election
Previous Year:2006
Next Election:2015 Liberal Democrats leadership election
Next Year:2015
Turnout:64.1%
Image1:Nick Clegg by the 2009 budget cropped.jpg
Image1 Size:160x160px
Candidate1:Nick Clegg
Popular Vote1:20,988
Percentage1:50.6%
Image2 Size:160x160px
Candidate2:Chris Huhne
Popular Vote2:20,477
Percentage2:49.4%
Leader
Before Election:Vincent Cable (Interim)
After Election:Nick Clegg

The 2007 Liberal Democrats leadership election was held following the resignation of Sir Menzies Campbell as leader on 15 October 2007, after 19 months as leader of the Liberal Democrats, the third-largest political party in the United Kingdom. Vincent Cable, the deputy leader of the parliamentary party, was acting leader until the conclusion of the leadership election.[1] The result was announced on 18 December 2007 with Nick Clegg winning by a narrow margin of 1.2%.[2]

Background

The resignation of Menzies Campbell came after a period of speculation about his future as party leader. This was seen as due to media-inspired concerns over his age and poor poll ratings for the party. This speculation mounted after Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced he would not be calling a General Election in 2007.[3] The resignation was announced by the party president Simon Hughes and the deputy leader of the parliamentary party Vincent Cable.

Election rules

The timetable for the election was announced on 16 October 2007 with the new leader to be announced on 18 December.[1] Liberal Democrat leadership elections use the Alternative Vote system, the single-winner version of the Single Transferable Vote, although, since only two candidates contested this election the contest effectively became a simple plurality vote.

Nominations for candidates opened on 16 October 2007 and closed at 16:00 (UTC+0) on 31 October: each candidate needed the support of at least 10% of Liberal Democrat MPs (i.e. 7 MPs) and at least 200 party members from at least 20 different local parties. MPs could only nominate one candidate, unlike the previous election.

A series of online and offline hustings meetings were held around the country, and were listed on the party's official news page for the contest.[4]

Balloting of members commenced on 21 November with the distribution of ballots to party members, the deadline for their return being 15 December and the victor to be announced at around 2:30 p.m. on 18 December 2007.[5] [6] [7]

Campaign

Opening

In media reports and the betting markets,[8] the front-runners were friends[9] Nick Clegg (Home Affairs spokesperson) and Chris Huhne (Environment spokesperson). Huhne ran in the 2006 leadership election, coming second to Campbell, whom Clegg had supported.

After Campbell's surprise resignation, there was speculation as to who would run.[8] Various contenders ruled themselves out early on (including notably Vincent Cable,[10] Edward Davey, Lynne Featherstone, Julia Goldsworthy,[11] Simon Hughes,[1] Susan Kramer, David Laws,[12] Sarah Teather[13] and Steve Webb[14]), leading to the possibility of only two candidates achieving sufficient nominations. Huhne launched his campaign first on Wednesday 17 October, with Clegg launching his on Friday 19 October.

John Hemming announced on his blog that he wished to stand, and that he was taking soundings from colleagues, but he went on to acknowledge that it would be too difficult for him to obtain sufficient MP nominators. Former leader Charles Kennedy initially said he was "highly unlikely" to run again, and that it is not part of his "game plan", but did not completely rule out the possibility.[15] He later more clearly rejected the idea.

Huhne and then Clegg submitted their formal nomination paperwork. Clegg attracted most support from fellow MPs, although both candidates had high-profile supporters, including former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown for Clegg and former Liberal leader David Steel for Huhne.

Nominations closed at 16:00 (UTC+0) on 31 October 2007.[16]

Policy differences

Nick Clegg took a more multilateralist line than Chris Huhne, who was opposed to the Trident ballistic missile system. Nick Clegg favoured retaining half of Trident's arsenal to use as a bargaining chip in 2010 negotiations; Chris Huhne saw saving money on the nuclear deterrent as being a viable means of raising money to fund greater spending on army equipment and conventional weaponry with the possibility of a smaller deterrent system.

Chris Huhne emphasised his opposition to voucher systems in the provision of public services. Nick Clegg denied supporting voucher systems, and has gone on record as ruling such systems out.

Nick Clegg stated that he saw the Liberal Democrats' role in a hung parliament scenario as being to support whichever party is most likely to be able to form a government; however, he said that the other two main party leaders and their parties were both conservative and that he was neither an heir to Blair nor a Cameron clone. Clegg also stated that he saw liberalism as being more important than ever, and accused Chris Huhne of entering "an unholy alliance" with the SNP and Conservatives over the environment and his supporting the principle of elements of the Conservative Party's plans to have English only voting for English only matters.[17]

On most issues the two candidates shared common positions on the environment, identity cards, counter-terrorism and the war in Iraq.[18] [19] [20]

Hustings

Both candidates appeared at several hustings organised by the party. There were also joint appearances on the BBC's TV shows Question Time, Newsnight and The Politics Show, the latter of which saw a spat between the candidates after Huhne's campaign team had delivered a press briefing document to the show mistitled "Calamity Clegg", leading to a formal complaint from the Clegg team.

Huhne was generally acknowledged to have "edged" the televised debate - the candidates clashed on issues including Trident and presentation - and a straw poll following the Cambridge hustings placed Huhne as much as 2-1 ahead.[21] However, given the unreliability of such polls, and Clegg's continued position as the bookies' favourite, the consensus in the party and media was that the two were running neck and neck.[22] Some columnists have been critical of Clegg's debate performances.[23]

A YouGov poll of party members gave Clegg a 56% to 44% lead in late November, although about half of respondents had yet to vote. On 3 December 2007, on the basis of another poll, Clegg claimed to be well ahead with 60% of votes cast so far in his favour.[24]

Voting issues

About 1,300 postal votes were caught up in the Christmas post and missed the election deadline. An unofficial check of the late papers showed Huhne had enough votes among them to hand him victory. Huhne stood by the result, saying "Nick Clegg won fair and square on the rules counting the ballot papers that arrived in by the deadline. There is no question of any re-run."[25] [26]

Candidates

At the close of nominations, the following had been successfully nominated.

Nick Clegg

Supporters included:

Notes and References

  1. News: Campbell quits as Lib Dem leader . 19 October 2007 . 15 October 2007. BBC News Online. BBC.
  2. News: BBC News Online. Nick Clegg is new Lib Dem leader. 18 December 2007. 18 December 2007.
  3. Web site: Lib Dem leader resigns . 19 October 2007 . 15 October 2007 . .
  4. Web site: Liberal Democrats . Liberal Democrats : Leadership election . 23 November 2007 . 30 April 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071123084202/http://www.libdems.org.uk/party/leadership-election.html . 23 November 2007.
  5. News: Liberal Democrat election timetable . 19 October 2007 . 16 October 2007. The Guardian. London . Rosalind . Ryan.
  6. News: Timeline: Liberal Democrat leadership race . 19 October 2007 . 16 October 2007. The Times. London . David . Byers.
  7. News: Chris Huhne prepares for a surprise win . https://web.archive.org/web/20071217153823/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2007%2F12%2F15%2Fnlibdems115.xml . dead . 17 December 2007 . The Daily Telegraph . London . Rosa . Prince . 15 December 2007 . 7 May 2010 .
  8. News: BBC: Contenders: Lib Dem leadership . 7 November 2007 . 5 January 2010 . BBC News.
  9. News: Huhne and Clegg:Deadly political rivals . https://web.archive.org/web/20071016062956/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2007%2F10%2F15%2Fnming815.xml . dead . 16 October 2007 . The Daily Telegraph . London . Toby . Helm . Brendan . Carlin . 15 October 2007 . 7 May 2010 .
  10. News: BBC: Huhne 'to bid for Lib Dem leader' . 17 October 2007 . 5 January 2010 . BBC News.
  11. Web site: 2007-10-16. Sir Ming reveals exit reasons. 2021-06-22. Manchester Evening News. en.
  12. Web site: Laws: I'm not standing for the leadership.
  13. Web site: Sarah Backs Nick Clegg. dead. https://archive.today/20120724045557/http://www.brentlibdems.org.uk/news/000399/sarah_backs_nick_clegg.html. 24 July 2012.
  14. Web site: Epolotix: Webb ruled out of Lib Dem race.
  15. News: BBC: Kennedy 'unlikely to run again' . 17 October 2007 . 5 January 2010 . BBC News.
  16. http://politics.guardian.co.uk/libdems/story/0,,2202360,00.html Huhne to unveil manifesto as nominations close for Lib Dem leadership
  17. https://web.archive.org/web/20071103064953/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2007%2F10%2F31%2Fnclegg131.xml Nick Clegg blasts 'unholy alliance' Chris Huhne
  18. https://web.archive.org/web/20071231175546/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2Fmain.jhtml%3Fview%3DBLOGDETAIL&grid=F11&blog=yourview&xml=%2Fnews%2F2007%2F10%2F28%2Fnosplit%2Fview28a.xml Nick Clegg answers your questions
  19. http://politics.guardian.co.uk/libdems/story/0,,2202783,00.html Huhne woos the left as Lib Dem leadership nominations close
  20. http://politics.guardian.co.uk/libdems/story/0,,2202482,00.html Key points of Clegg and Huhne's leadership manifestos
  21. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/politics_show/7103621.stm Lib Dem leadership: voting begins
  22. News: Huhne 'closing' in Lib Dem race . The Guardian. London . Jo . Revill . 18 November 2007 . 7 May 2010.
  23. News: Stop hiding behind the sofa . The Times . London . Daniel . Finkelstein . 21 November 2007 . 7 May 2010.
  24. News: UK | UK Politics | Clegg claims lead in Lib Dem race . BBC News . 3 December 2007 . 30 April 2010.
  25. http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/2175503.mp_huhne_stands_by_lib_dem_leadership_election_results/ MP Huhne stands by Lib Dem leadership election results
  26. Jane Merrick Meet the real leader of the Liberal Democrats Independent on Sunday 6 April 2008
  27. News: 'Be bolder' urges Clegg as he launches leadership campaign . The Independent . London . 19 October 2007 . 7 May 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080706031354/http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article3075672.ece . 6 July 2008.
  28. Web site: Baker and Lloyd back Nick Clegg. 6 November 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20071105063906/http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/Baker-and-Lloyd-back-Nick.3439555.jp. 5 November 2007. dead.
  29. News: Clegg is firm favourite among Lib Dem MPs . The Guardian. London . Deborah . Summers . 26 October 2007 . 7 May 2010.
  30. Web site: Clegg's Positive Campaign has momentum at start of ballot week. https://web.archive.org/web/20110714181649/http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=403&Itemid=1. dead. 2011-07-14.
  31. Web site: Supporter List. https://web.archive.org/web/20110714181743/http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=404. dead. 2011-07-14.
  32. Web site: Farron backs Clegg for Lib Dem leadership bid. North-West Evening Mail. 20 October 2007. 21 October 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071127204218/http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=555948 . 27 November 2007.
  33. News: BBC: Clegg picking up Lib Dem backers . 18 October 2007 . 5 January 2010 . BBC News.
  34. Web site: David Heath MP Endorses Nick Clegg. https://web.archive.org/web/20110714181718/http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=466&Itemid=1. dead. 2011-07-14.
  35. Web site: Hemming endorses Clegg.
  36. News: Hughes backs Clegg for Lib Dem leader . The Guardian. London . Hélène . Mulholland . 2 November 2007 . 7 May 2010.
  37. Web site: Laws supports Clegg in leadership contest. https://web.archive.org/web/20071025135249/http://www.chardandilminsternews.co.uk/news/cinewschard/display.var.1769064.0.laws_supports_clegg_in_leadership_contest.php. 25 October 2007.
  38. Web site: Moore backs Clegg after Ming. 18 October 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20080312121957/http://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/news/Moore-backs-Clegg-after-Ming.3390791.jp. 12 March 2008. dead.
  39. Web site: Hampshire MP will not be drawn on leadership fight.
  40. Web site: Opik sides with Clegg on Lib-Dem vote.
  41. Web site: Clegg has clean sweep of Scottish MPs. https://web.archive.org/web/20110714181713/http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=442&Itemid=41. dead. 2011-07-14.
  42. News: BBC: Webb will not run for Lib Dem job . 18 October 2007 . 5 January 2010 . BBC News.
  43. Web site: Supporting Nick . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071027174511/http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=1 . 27 October 2007 .
  44. Web site: Nick gets the backing of Bill Newton-Dunn and Lord Clement-Jones . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110714181736/http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=473&Itemid=1 . 14 July 2011 .
  45. Web site: Liberal Democrat Peers Backing Nick . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110714181636/http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=396&Itemid=1 . 14 July 2011 .
  46. Web site: Key Peers Endorse Nick Clegg . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110714181749/http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=599&Itemid=1 . 14 July 2011 .
  47. Web site: Baroness Shirley Williams Endorses Nick Clegg for Liberal Democrat Leader . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110714181629/http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=319&Itemid=1 . 14 July 2011 .
  48. Web site: Huhne has the backing of majority of LibDem MSPs to become party leader. https://web.archive.org/web/20071118110839/http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.1837623.0.0.php. 18 November 2007. dead.
  49. Web site: Michael German AM Endorses Clegg Campaign . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110714181625/http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=313&Itemid=1 . 14 July 2011 .
  50. Web site: A Bit of a Week.
  51. Web site: Sir Cyril Smith MBE Endorses Nick Clegg . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071108210440/http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=188&Itemid=1 . 8 November 2007 .
  52. Web site: Francois Bayrou Backs Nick Clegg For Lib Dem Leader . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110714181756/http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=639&Itemid=1 . 14 July 2011 .
  53. News: The Independent: "Clegg should be given the chance to turn the current daunting challenges facing the Liberal Democrats into a fresh opportunity." (leading article, 23 Nov 2007) . London . 23 November 2007 . 7 May 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080118134223/http://comment.independent.co.uk/leading_articles/article3187081.ece . 18 January 2008.
  54. Web site: My choice for Lib Dem leader.
  55. News: Huhne in second run at leadership . Edinburgh . The Scotsman. Gerri. Peev. 18 October 2007.
  56. Web site: Huhne Leadership Election Campaign Gains Momentum. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20071119032807/http://www.chris2win.org.uk/news/000133/huhne_leadership_election_campaign_gains_momentum.html. 19 November 2007.
  57. News: First Lib Dem candidate happy to be an underdog . The Times . London . 18 October 2007 . 7 May 2010 . Sam . Coates.
  58. Web site: Supporters Backing Chris Huhne for Leader . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071031032016/http://www.chris2win.org/pages/supporters.html . 31 October 2007 .
  59. Web site: Sal Brinton: Why I'm backing Chris. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20071114231217/http://libdems4chris.org.uk/2007/10/29/sal-brinton-why-im-backing-chris/. 14 November 2007.
  60. Web site: Dick Newby and Anna Werrin to have key roles in Huhne campaign. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20071022111916/http://chris2win.org/news/000092/dick_newby_and_anna_werrin_to_have_key_roles_in_huhne_campaign.html. 22 October 2007.
  61. Web site: Kennedy Campaign Manager Candy says "I'm backing Chris!". Chris Huhne campaign website. 20 October 2007. 20 October 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071022111746/http://chris2win.org/news/000093/kennedy_campaign_manager_candy_says_im_backing_chris.html . 22 October 2007.
  62. Web site: Get off the fence with Chris Huhne. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20071028155013/http://libdems4chris.org.uk/2007/10/28/duncan-brack-get-off-the-fence-with-chris-huhne/. 28 October 2007.
  63. News: The Lib Dems face a clear choice: get radical or fudge into eternal decline . The Guardian. London . Polly . Toynbee . 16 November 2007 . 7 May 2010.
  64. Web site: Wanted: an anti-Establishment insurgent for the third party.
  65. News: The Guardian. Clegg plans quick reshuffle if he wins Lib Dem leadership. Wintour. Patrick. 18 December 2007. 18 December 2007 . London.
  66. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/story/0,,2212514,00.html The Guardian: "If this newspaper was to cast a vote, it would be for him [Clegg]." (leading article, 17 Nov 2007)]

    Chris Huhne

    Supporters included:

    Result

    CandidateVotes%
    20,98850.6
    Chris Huhne20,47749.4
    Turnout41,46564.1
    Sources: result, turnout[65]
    The turnout at this leadership election was over 10,000 fewer than in the 2006 election. A total of 64,727 ballot papers were issued, compared with 72,064 for the 2006 contest.

    External links

    ]

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