Huhne launches campaign to become Lib Dem leader as Kennedy rules himself out

The environment spokesman was looking to present himself as the man with the integrity and intelligence to revive the Liberal Democrat fortunes.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy today said it was "highly unlikely" that he would seek to succeed Sir Menzies Campbell.

And acting leader Vince Cable has ruled himself out of the race as well.

But hopes of a smooth campaign launch were dashed when Sir Menzies used his parting interview to accuse his supporters of "undermining" the party.

The former leader said: "Those who undermine any part of the party - whether it be the leader, the president or the spokesman on social security - undermine themselves as much as they undermine the party. It's a dangerous game, frankly."

There was speculation today that Sir Menzies, who said he felt "irritated and frustrated" at being forced to step down, is hoping to resurrect his political career with a role in Gordon Brown's government.

The PM's generous tribute to Sir Menzies has fuelled rumours that he would be welcome. Asked about his future, Sir Menzies, 66, said he did not answer "hypothetical questions" but he added: "I would like to go on contributing."

Meanwhile Hampshire MP Mr Huhne was launching his campaign at a Westminster restaurant today.

There he was expected to emphasise how, as environment spokesman, he was responsible for putting the green policies at the heart of Liberal Democrat agenda.

Allies are also keen to play up the fact that he had "the bottle" to stand against Sir Menzies in 2005.

But supporters of Nick Clegg, the bookmakers' favourite who will launch his bid at the end of this week, questioned Mr Huhne's ability to reach out beyond the core supporters.

"Nick is the only candidate who will appeal to supporters who have drifted to Labour and the Conservatives," said one ally.

Mr Clegg is also understood to have the backing of the same frontbenchers who orchestrated the removal of Charles Kennedy and his replacement with Sir Menzies.

However, Sir Menzies has indicated he would like to see a woman as successor.

The most credible female candidate would be Susan Kramer, the MP for Richmond Park, who stood against Ken Livingstone in the race for London Mayor seven years ago.

Allies of Ms Kramer said she was still taking soundings. "She has not ruled anything out or ruled anything in," said the friend.

Other contenders include Steve Webb, who is charged with writing the party's manifesto. Mr Webb will pick up the support on the party's Left but is not regarded as a threat to Mr Huhne or Mr Clegg.

Birmingham MP John Hemming has announced he would like to stand but few are taking his candidacy seriously. The leadership will be decided by a ballot of the party's 70,000 members with a result on 17 December.

Hornsey and Wood Green Lib-Dem MP Lynne Featherstone took the novel step today of using internet site Facebook to reveal she was not in the running. In a post on the networking site, she wrote: "Nice of everyone to say, but sorry, I'm not running for party leader. Chris Huhne's the choice for me."