Mary Reid

I've not said much here about the Liberal Democrat leadership election because I'm really aiming my blog at all the people who live locally, and not just party members.

But the Lib Dem blogosphere has carried some fascinating and revealing discussions about the candidates which I have enjoyed reading. I finally sent off my voting paper yesterday after a great deal of thought.  I've changed my mind several times during the last month or so.

Last time round I voted for Simon Hughes.  His political views are closest to mine - a grass roots Liberal who cares deeply about social justice. But he was disappointing in the London Mayor election and does not seem to have the full support of MPs across the spectrum.

Chris Huhne has been the dark horse; little known at first but making a strong impression.  Had he spent the last eight years in Westminster instead of Europe he could well have been the front runner, but I think it is too soon for him to take control.

Which brings me back to my immediate reaction when Charles Kennedy resigned.  Ming Campbell is the candidate who is best placed to unite the party and give strong leadership. He is the only one who is described by the media as a statesman, and perhaps what we need now is some gravitas.

So my preferences were 1. Ming, 2. Chris, 3. Simon.  But the fact that I found it so difficult to come to a decision does imply that I'd be happy enough with any of them.