Britain's Liberal Democrats began the search today for their third leader in 18 months after Sir Menzies Campbell resigned yesterday.
Mr Campbell (66) stepped down amid falling poll ratings and growing criticism of his style. He had also been widely regarded as being too old to lead a successful recovery in a general election likely to be two years away.
He resigned last night, less than a month since vowing at the party conference in Brighton to use his experience to guide his party to victory.
The two favourites to succeed him - Home Affairs Spokesman Nick Clegg and Environment Spokesman Chris Huhne - said they would make announcements shortly about whether they would stand.
Leading party members said they had been surprised by the timing of Mr Campbell's decision and denied reports he was the victim of a coup.
They said Mr Campbell had been the victim of unfair and ageist criticism in the media but insisted he had chosen his own moment to stand down.
In a resignation letter, the former leader said his decision had been triggered by Prime Minister Gordon Brown opting this month not to call a snap election.
