I have voted in the Leadership Election... for Sir Menzies

9.33.57pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 18th Feb 2006

Well we had our Regional Conference and hustings today and I have just filled in my ballot paper! I have voted Sir Menzies 1, Chris 2 (there really is not point even putting 3 on the ballot paper). This is how I thought I would be voting at the close of nominations and whilst I have thought about it I still feel the same way - below I try to explain why!

The case for Ming is a strong one. I believe he is the best of the three candidates to lead the Liberal Democrats for this Parliament and to take on David Cameron and Gordon Brown (or whomever is Labour Leader). He has gravitas (I know it is a horrid word), he is truly respected by other politicians and the general public and has heaps of experience - particularly having being our Foreign Affairs Spokesperson.

I hate to say this I am partly supporting Ming because I am comparing him to the other two candidates - in no other area than gravitas, respect and experience he is head and shoulders above the other candidates. I have grown to like Chris a lot (see below) but do not think I could see him as a future Prime Minister, at least not yet. As for Simon I really like him, and his politics, but I cannot take him seriously and if I can't why should I expect the electorate too - his 'question of honest' during the campaign was something he could have avoided (by answering clearly straight away or saying it was none of our business which it is not) but his answer showed a complete lack of political judgement.

I mentioned I liked Simon's politics that is not to say I do not like Sir Menzies' or Chris' having spoken with Sir Menzies I am convinced that we are of a similar mind on many policy areas - yes I disagree with him on some but I disagree with virtually every politician on something (I could probably even disagree with myself if I tried). He is a radical, an instinctive Liberal, an internationalist and a democrat.

Unsurprisingly, as my background is in campaigns, I am interested in which candidate will help us win the most votes and seats and for me that is Sir Menzies. Particularly defending from the Conservatives and winning votes from the Conservatives, which is important at the moment with Cameron receiving good press, I also think he will play well with Labour - particularly over Iraq still. Having seen him in action in the Hodge Hill by-election and in the General Election, and previously in the 2001 General Election in Hereford, I am convinced he can win votes for us from anyone and he is not afraid of doing the hard work needed!

So that is why I am voting Sir Menzies, I hope you will too - if you are please sign up to Sir Menzies website at www.campbellcampaign.org

Finally I want to comment on Chris Huhne, and why he is getting my second preference. Like most people I did not know Chris very well until this campaign, and still not overly well. I actually met him before he won in Eastleigh last May, as my friend Anders Hanson was working for him and I met him when I visited. I have been very impressed with his campaign (if I was to vote on the campaign alone I would vote for Chris), I do not disagree with much he has to say, particularly on the environment and even Trident, but have reservations about him - I would not be upset if he won but I would prefer Sir Menzies.

I think the election could well be close between Sir Menzies and Chris with Simon's second preferences deciding who will win. I think if Chris had the opportunity to contact the 'armchair' vote (the candidates have not been allowed membership lists which I think is wrong), or even if the contest was longer he could well have won.

Anyway these are my thoughts - feel free to disagree with them. The good thing about the Liberal Democrats, as was proved today by Chris Maines and Sue Simmonds, is that even best friends can disagree and still be best friends!