Lib Dems' 'threat to Labour'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Liberal Democrats have suffered from "poverty of ambition" and must raise their expectations of achieving power, Chris Huhne, one of the contenders for the party leadership, has warned.
Mr Huhne, whose odds to become leader narrowed sharply last week after the withdrawal of Mark Oaten from the race, said the Liberal Democrats have not "raised our sights high enough" and urged the party to be optimistic and "raise our ambitions" for the next election.
The MP, who is seen as the outsider in the race to become leader, said he was confident the party could gain dozens of seats from Labour at the next election.
But Mr Huhne warned that, following the resignation of Charles Kennedy, the leadership race could divide the party. He said that, as leader, he would act as "an honest broker" to lead a party which embraces both its left wing and free-market traditions.
In an interview with The Independent on Sunday, he said that he wanted to give the membership "a choice", after being urged to stand by scores of members. He says he has gained support from both Sir Menzies Campbell, who is the front-runner, and Simon Hughes, the party's president.
"I am very struck by the fact people know I am an honest broker," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments