Catherine joins Chris Huhne's campaign for leadership of the Liberal Democrats

12.00.00am GMT Thu 8th Nov 2007

"I am pleased that now the restrictions that stopped the Euro candidates endorsing any leadership candidate have been lifted to be able to announce that I am backing Chris Huhne to become our next leader.

I first met Chris in 1998 when we were both running to be candidates for the SE region Euro list. I was immediately impressed with his energy and drive and his commitment to Liberal Democrat principles. He was an excellent MEP for the South East region, campaigning in every constituency and making sure that the region was aware of the work that he was doing. He has also been a great MP for Eastleigh and our spokesperson on environmental matters.

Chris is more than just a campaigner. He is a thinker and, having had a career outside politics is well aware of the the need to improve the standing of policies in the country. He is keen and able to get the Lib Dem party back on track to be the major force in UK politics that it deserves to be.

Chris is also a committed environmentalist - an issue that I as you know am also committed to. He also has the skills to put the changes into place necessary to deliver our policies, the experience to ensure we get campaigning in strength across the country and the media savvy to bring in more voters. I am really glad to support him again."