Lynne's Parliament and Haringey diary

I went with Chris Huhne, as chair of his campaign, to the launch of his candidacy for Liberal Democrat leader.

It is always bizarre when you suddenly find yourself in a media storm (even by proxy). Herds of men walking backwards taking photos from every angle. Coming down the grand sweep of stairs, pause and talk on second step down, proceed to second step from bottom - where Chris delivers his statement to a gallery of media. His statement was brief - simply to say he will stand and he said: "Today I am reiterating my commitment to lead a Party that is radical; green; honest and angry about the gross unfairness in Britain."

Of course - that's the agenda I want and I believe Chris is the guy to deliver it. Everyone keeps asking me to say or write why I am backing Chris. And the answer really is that I don't want more of the same old same old.

I want someone who will do what we say we will do - that is, 'rattle the cages' of the other two. Chris can do that. He has the guts for it. Last time when Charles fell - I rang Chris and Nick to run as I didn't believe Ming would be right for leader, as brilliant as he is. Chris went for it. That showed guts. That showed he was prepared to take on the establishment - and I think taking on the establishment in our party is crucial.

The establishment have already moved to support Nick Clegg the same way as last time they all moved to support Ming. Well - I don't do establishment. I think that is the last thing our party needs.

I don't want to play the same game the busted flush of Tory and Labour politics are playing. I don't want to join in. I want our party to stand up to that cosy consensus. Chris is the man with the cojones to do it. Ergo - I'm backing Chris.

And we need someone tough and experienced and tested in the real world. Leadership is bloody difficult - as all three leaders have found out in just the last couple of months. Chris will take on Gordon on his own favourite territory of the economy - and beat him. Chris has already won the battle of ideas - it is his vision that gave us the tax switch and carbon neutral by 2050 goal. He also makes a clean break with the Cameron / Blair charm school type of politics. And he is the man who can.

Of course, both Chris and Nick would be good leaders - so we are in a win / win position. But I want the radical, fighting, politics changing agenda that I believe only Chris can deliver.

Labels: chris huhne, lib dem leadership contest, ming campbell, nick clegg