Nominations are going well particularly as MPs are able and willing to sign more than one nomination paper.
I have personally signed the paper for Mark Oaten, not because I support his campaign, but because I support his right to stand. I have offered to sign that of Simon Hughes and Chris Huhne as well. There are at least four MPs who will sign more than one paper if requested to give the members a choice.
I, however, need to ask members whether it is right for me to continue to progress my candidature. I stood with the objective of forcing a contest and not having a "coronation".
It was important for members to have a choice. It looks like there will be four candidates now which is far better than having no election.
Although I could get myself nominated I will continue consulting members and supporters and make a decision when I get the results of a formal consultation exercise of party members.
I have personally signed the paper for Mark Oaten, not because I support his campaign, but because I support his right to stand. I have offered to sign that of Simon Hughes and Chris Huhne as well. There are at least four MPs who will sign more than one paper if requested to give the members a choice.
I, however, need to ask members whether it is right for me to continue to progress my candidature. I stood with the objective of forcing a contest and not having a "coronation".
It was important for members to have a choice. It looks like there will be four candidates now which is far better than having no election.
Although I could get myself nominated I will continue consulting members and supporters and make a decision when I get the results of a formal consultation exercise of party members.
Comments
As you your candidature John as I said early on I would consider backing you if no other candidate came forward As I did not think there should be a coronation. The 4 other names in the hat would get my preference before my vote would transfer to you.