Official - Clegg vs. Huhne

So it's confirmed - nominations have closed and the Lib Dem leadership contest is between Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne. Whoever wins, at least the name is easy to get on to a poster!

The blogosphere seems to have had more to say about Chris Huhne recently rather than Nick Clegg but no doubt there will be a catching up. Both are trying to attract headlines. For instance, Chris' call to abandon Trident missiles and spend the billions on something more effective. Nick was first to call for civil disobedience over ID cards today. (post edited to reflect comments-S)

Various people still weighing up the options, including Don Liberali, and David Nikel points to the discussion on politicalbetting. Jonathan Calder welcomed the breaking-out of a debate.

Nick's website --- Chris' website --- BBC news item

Edited in the light of J's comment.

Lib Dem Leadership

You know your old when...... party leaders are younger than you. Cameron is a week younger than me; if elected Nick Clegg would be three months younger. But is that a reason to back Clegg or, indeed, a reason not to!? Does Huhne have the wider range of experience? Who do my Chelmsford readers think would be the best Lib Dem leader?

Our two excellent candidates Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne who are both backed by a wide range of party members. Chris also has a supporters blogsite at Lib Dems for Chris.

If one is a long time, two weeks is an age

Breathless: two weeks ago we were all set for a General Election - leaflets drafted; canvassing ready to go. One week ago I was on the TV discussing why it was not happening and also the Pre-Budget Report (see Anglia Late Edition here) . I observed that it was odd that Labour and the Conservatives should talk about tax cuts for the seriously rich, while ignoring the hard-pressed majority of the population - who will see council tax bills rise by double the rate of inflation for at least the next three years.

On Saturday Ming Campbell told our regional conference that he was staying but on Monday he resigned, while I was at the House of Lords with other candidates from winnable seats. So on Tuesday I was on BBC Essex paying tribute to him and looking at the likely candidates for new leader. We know that Chris Huhne and Nick Clegg are standing; and probably no-one else.

I would have liked to have seen Steve Webb adding something to the debate. But I guess you need extremely thick skin; extraordinarily tolerant family; new ideas for the future, and the ability to put them all across clearly. Members need to be paid up on 31st October in order to vote - and can join here.

Distraction burglary

I understand, from the local Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, that there has been an increase in the number of "distraction burglaries" recently - when someone enters your house pretending to be someone in authority.

Most of the incidents recently involved male callers frightening elderly people into believing that there was a problem with their water supply.

Anyone who IS official will carry an ID card and will not mind if you keep the chain on your door while you check their card. The card will carry an official phone number that you can phone to check.

Most of the bogus callers recently have said "WE ARE FROM THE WATERBOARD". This area of Essex is supplied with water by the Essex & Suffolk Water Company. The "water board" no longer exists. They do not call unless requested and when they do they produce a bona-fide Identity card.

You should report any suspicious activity IMMEDIATELY to the police on 999 / 112.

More information about Neighbourhood Watch on the Springfield website or the national neighbourhoodwatch.net