Sheffield MP Nick Clegg backed for Lib-Dem leadership

The 40-year-old is the bookies' 4/5 on favourite to replace Sir Menzies Campbell who dramatically quit yesterday.

And he has received a ringing endorsement by the head of his constituency party should he decide to enter the leadership race.

The Hallam MP said Sir Menzies would be a "huge loss" and added that the veteran politician's decision to quit had taken him "totally by surprise".

Speaking exclusively to The Star, Sue Ralston, chair of Hallam Lib Dems, said: "He would make a very good leader if he decided to stand. He is very talented and knowledgeable." Mr Clegg said during the Lib Dems' party conference that, while he would not challenge Sir Menzies for the leadership, he "probably would" put his name forward if the veteran MP stood down.

Following Sir Menzies' shock announcement, Mr Clegg paid tribute to his former boss on his website.

He said: "The party owes Ming an immense debt of gratitude.

"He became leader at a particularly difficult time for the party and has restored a sense of purpose, professionalism and principle into the Liberal Democrats.

"I am sure that Ming's role will be seen as absolutely vital to the long-term future and success of the Liberal Democrats.

"On a personal level, I have long valued Ming's friendship and guidance; before and during my time at Westminster as an MP as his Foreign Affair's deputy and then one of his closest supporters in the party"

Mr Clegg's loyalty to Sir Menzies is said to be one of his strengths should he stand for leader. He has been boosted by his performance as Home Affairs spokesman - where he put forward policies such as giving communities power to determine sentencing of criminals and providing an education for prisoners so they are less likely to reoffend.

Coun Paul Scriven, Lib Dem group leader on Sheffield Council, also backed Mr Clegg as Sir Menzies' successor.

He said: "Nick would be an extremely good leader for the Lib Dems, Sheffield and the country.

"I will be encouraging Nick to stand and I will be very supportive."

Coun Scriven said that Mr Clegg's lack of experience in Parliament - he has only been an MP since 2005 - should not count against him.

"You shouldn't judge someone just by the time they have been in a post. Nick has established himself as someone who not only has a very good grasp of the Home Office but has also shown himself to be adept a handling a lot of issues such as the environment and taxation."

Prior to taking over as Hallam MP from Richard Allan, Mr Clegg was MEP for the East Midlands from 1999 to 2004.

He was previously a journalist for a US magazine and the Financial Times, and also worked for the European Union, including as an advisor to European Commissioner Leon Brittan.

Sir Menzies Campbell resigned because he said questions about the future of his leadership were "getting in the way of further progress by the party."

In recent weeks, the Lib Dems' support in opinion polls has collapsed.

Deputy leader Vincent Cable is to take over as acting leader until a new leader is elected - and a decision is expected by 17 December.

Leadership battle begins.

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