I'm not plotting to steal Ming's job, Clegg tells Lib Dem conference

The home affairs spokesman insisted he was not plotting to oust Sir Menzies. But he said he would be a contender "if there was a vacancy in the future".

Mr Clegg, 40, has long been regarded as one of the most likely successors to Sir Menzies but this is the first time he has so publicly revealed his ambition.

His comments blew apart attempts by allies of Sir Menzies, 66, to dampen down discussions about his long-term future, which have dominated the Brighton conference.

Supporters have dismissed claims that potential successors have been using the conference to position themselves ahead of any leadership race.

But Mr Clegg's intervention reveals the extent to which the party is already looking to the "post Ming" era.

Asked at a fringe meeting to state his intentions, Mr Clegg replied: "if you are asking me would I stand against Ming, the answer is no."

He added: "If there was a vacancy in the future then I probably would."

However, he stressed there were no plans for an immediate challenge and pledged his loyalty to Sir Menzies.

Urging the party to rally behind its leader, he said: "You have to sometimes hold your nerve. At a time when Sir Ming is being attacked with barely disguised ageism... the only response is to pull together, put up two fingers and say, 'don't you dare push us around'."

Sir Menzies has not helped his cause by a series of gaffes which saw him being photographed staring into a lavatory bowl, confusing Italy with India and, at one point, declaring he was "a failure" and "scared stiff".

There are also grumblings over the way he bracketed those on a joint household income of £70,000 with the super-rich.

One senior Liberal-Democrat said such a remark was deeply damaging for a party seeking to defend a string of marginal seats from the Conservatives in south-west London.

As well as Mr Clegg, environment spokesman Chris Huhne and Ed Davey, Sir Menzies' chief of staff, are thought likely to run for the leadership. Allies of Charles Kennedy said he was highly unlikely to stand.

Many believe Sir Menzies's future depends on the timing of the general election. It is expected hewould lead the charge if there were a snap October election, however, should Gordon Brown delay the poll then many believe Sir Menzies may come under pressure to step aside.