It is being suggested that the Liberal Democrat leadership contender Chris Huhne “pulled a fast one” as regards the placing of his hat in the ring.  Having pledged his support to Sir Menzies Campbell and sealing the deal with a handshake, only an hour or so later he had changed his mind.  Women are not the only people who are allowed to change their minds and by all accounts Mr Huhne notified Sir Menzies Campbell immediately.  So far, so good.  Unfortunately, it appears that other “young guns”[1] in the party thought that there was an agreement that Mr Huhne and they would give Sir Menzies a clear run.  Mr Huhne denies any such agreement or understanding.  Clearly, there has been a terrible misunderstanding.  In the event that Mr Huhne wins the leadership contest[2], the young guns’ own leadership prospects would be finished.  This is not going to make him a very popular leader.  Certain members of the party with whom he must work, will find it hard to trust him[3].

This does not bode well for the Liberal Democrats.  Clever chap he might be, but if as seems likely, Mr Huhne cannot cut the mustard in debate with the likes of Blair, Brown or Cameron, he will prove to be an ineffectual leader.  The Liberal Democrats need a steady pair of hands at the helm to guide them through the troubled waters leading to the next General Election.  They need Sir Menzies Campbell[4].