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Webb will not run for Lib Dem job Webb will not run for Lib Dem job
(about 1 hour later)
Steve Webb, who had been expected to stand for the Lib Dem leadership, has told the BBC he will not be putting himself forward for the job.Steve Webb, who had been expected to stand for the Lib Dem leadership, has told the BBC he will not be putting himself forward for the job.
The Northavon MP, who is writing the party's manifesto, has backed home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg, one of two frontrunners for the leadership.The Northavon MP, who is writing the party's manifesto, has backed home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg, one of two frontrunners for the leadership.
The move increases the prospect of a straight fight between Mr Clegg and environment spokesman Chris Huhne.The move increases the prospect of a straight fight between Mr Clegg and environment spokesman Chris Huhne.
Sir Menzies Campbell resigned the party leadership on Monday.Sir Menzies Campbell resigned the party leadership on Monday.
On Wednesday, Mr Webb, who is seen as being on the socially liberal left of the party, revealed he had the support of sufficient MPs to get on the ballot paper.On Wednesday, Mr Webb, who is seen as being on the socially liberal left of the party, revealed he had the support of sufficient MPs to get on the ballot paper.
But he said several of his supporters would now go with him to the Clegg camp.But he said several of his supporters would now go with him to the Clegg camp.
'Firm foundation'
In a statement, Mr Webb said he had seriously considered entering the race but the "huge cost" to his family and Mr Clegg's abilities had persuaded him against it.
On a personal level, it has become clear to me that a campaign and the job of leader would have a huge cost for us as a family based outside London Steve Webb
"I have been overwhelmed by the many messages of support and encouragement that I have received since first indicating that I would consider running as leader of the party," he said.
"I have seriously considered standing, but have now made the positive choice to step aside and to give my support to Nick Clegg.
"I believe that my work with colleagues on our policy platform has given us a firm foundation as a party.
"We now need a leader who will excel in communicating those core Lib Dem values and policies and who has the strategic political judgment that we need.
"I believe that Nick best combines those qualities and can take our party on to a new level. "
'Innovative thinker'
He added: "On a personal level, it has become clear to me that a campaign and the job of leader would have a huge cost for us as a family based outside London.
"I am also convinced that the party's interests are best served by electing Nick Clegg as our leader, and I will therefore be happy to give my wholehearted support to his campaign."
Mr Clegg welcomed Mr Webb's backing - and declared the support of former party leader Lord Paddy Ashdown and one of the party's youngest MPs, Julia Goldsworthy.
He said: "Steve is a very innovative policy thinker and a powerful figure in the party, I am delighted to have his endorsement.
"He shows that I want to bring the party together to make a powerful and distinctive appeal to the country.
"His support is alongside other key figures such as Paddy Ashdown and Julia Goldsworthy."
'Camelot obsession''Camelot obsession'
Acting leader Vince Cable, transport spokeswoman Susan Kramer and elections co-ordinator Ed Davey have all ruled themselves out of the race.Acting leader Vince Cable, transport spokeswoman Susan Kramer and elections co-ordinator Ed Davey have all ruled themselves out of the race.
Former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy, 47, still popular among grassroots Lib Dems, said it was "highly unlikely" he would stand again, adding: "You should never say never in politics, but as close to never as you can get."Former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy, 47, still popular among grassroots Lib Dems, said it was "highly unlikely" he would stand again, adding: "You should never say never in politics, but as close to never as you can get."
Birmingham Yardley MP John Hemming is still hoping to gain the necessary seven MPs' support so he can enter the race.Birmingham Yardley MP John Hemming is still hoping to gain the necessary seven MPs' support so he can enter the race.
The leadership race was sparked by the resignation of Sir Menzies, who blamed the media's obsession with his age.The leadership race was sparked by the resignation of Sir Menzies, who blamed the media's obsession with his age.
At his campaign launch, Mr Huhne, who was defeated by Sir Menzies in the 2006 leadership contest, said he wanted the party to be committed to the idea that "everybody's individual worth and chance is given its full possibility".At his campaign launch, Mr Huhne, who was defeated by Sir Menzies in the 2006 leadership contest, said he wanted the party to be committed to the idea that "everybody's individual worth and chance is given its full possibility".
The green agenda, for which he is known, will play "a big part in the campaign", he added.The green agenda, for which he is known, will play "a big part in the campaign", he added.
Mr Huhne was forced to deny he had been involved in plotting against Sir Menzies after reports his supporters had been briefing against the former leader.Mr Huhne was forced to deny he had been involved in plotting against Sir Menzies after reports his supporters had been briefing against the former leader.
He said Sir Menzies appeared to have been the victim of a "Camelot obsession" with youth in certain sections of the media.He said Sir Menzies appeared to have been the victim of a "Camelot obsession" with youth in certain sections of the media.