Öpik. Nominators: Öpik, Mike Hancock, John Hemming, Paul Keetch, John Leech, Paul Rowen and Bob Russell. Various media outlets reported that Oaten had the tacit backing of Charles Kennedy, although this was denied by Kennedy's office. His nominators included several MPs who were prepared to nominate any serious challenger to ensure a wide contest: Mike Hancock (who was supporting Hughes), John Hemming, Paul Keetch (who was supporting Campbell), and Paul Rowen (who was supporting Hughes). Öpik remained the only MP to publicly declare his support, with Baroness Ludford the only peer. Opinion polls (leadership candidates) References External links Menzies Campbell official campaign website Chris Huhne official campaign website Full text of Kennedy's 7 January resignation statement (from Liberal Democrats website) Full text of Kennedy's 5 January statement (from BBC News website) The Lib Dem leadership options (from BBC News website) Leadership election 2006 2006 elections in the United Kingdom Liberal Democrats leadership election