Main candidates for Lib Dem leader

Menzies Campbell:

Campbell, 64, is the bookmakers' favorite to become the next Lid Dem leader. The MP for Fife North East, who first entered parliament in 1987, became the party's deputy leader in 2003. The former British Olympic athlete, who held the UK 100 meters record from 1967-74 and was knighted in 2004, is highly regarded in the party for his performance as foreign affairs spokesman.

Simon Hughes:

Lib Dem Party president Hughes, 54, is Campbell's main challenger for the job, according to bookmakers. He became the youngest opposition MP in parliament when he won the Bermondsey by-election in 1983 on a swing of 50.9 percent from Labour. He has held the seat, now named North Southwark and Bermondsey, ever since. He stood unsuccessfully against Kennedy in the 1999 leadership election and also came third in the vote for London mayor in 2004.

Mark Oaten:

Home Affairs spokesman Oaten, 41, has risen to prominence since the London bombings last July. The MP for Winchester, who won his seat in 1997, opposed the government's plans to hold terrorism suspects for up to 90 days without charge, helping to bring about Prime Minister Tony Blair's first major parliamentary defeat.

Others:

Other candidates who might stand, according to media reports, include education spokesman Ed Davey, 40, the MP for Kingston and Surbiton, and Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg, 39.