They include eight members of the "Shadow Cabinet" and eleven MPs first elected at the 2005 general election. The MPs were Norman Baker, Tom Brake, Alistair Carmichael, Nick Clegg, Ed Davey, Andrew George, Sandra Gidley, Jeremy Browne, Tim Farron, Lynne Featherstone, Julia Goldsworthy, Evan Harris, Nick Harvey, Martin Horwood, Chris Huhne, Norman Lamb, David Laws, John Pugh, Dan Rogerson, Adrian Sanders, Jo Swinson, Matthew Taylor, Sarah Teather, Stephen Williams, Jenny Willott The BBC's Newsnight reports that thirty-three MPs, over half the parliamentary party, feel that Kennedy's continued leadership was untenable. 7 January John Hemming, the only Liberal Democrat MP not to sign Kennedy's nomination papers for leader in May 2005, said on his blog that he was considering whether to stand against Kennedy or not, but had not yet made a final decision. At 15:00 GMT, Charles Kennedy resigned as leader of the Liberal Democrats. He explained that he had been "inundated" with support from ordinary members of the party, but felt he no longer had sufficient support among MPs. His resignation was with immediate effect, with Deputy Leader Menzies Campbell to act as interim leader. Within minutes, Ed Davey and Lembit Öpik declared that they would not be candidates in the election, Davey saying he would support Campbell and Öpik saying he would support Oaten (if Oaten stands). Later that day, Öpik said he supports Oaten's strategy of consulting with the other contenders. Simon Hughes said that he would not make any announcement immediately as he has to fulfill his duties as party President first. Mark Oaten said he had not yet decided and would reflect on the situation over the weekend. He said he intends to have discussions with Hughes and Campbell as the other "contenders". Immediately after Kennedy's resignation, he indicated he favoured a single, unity candidate and avoiding an election. Sir Menzies Campbell, the interim leader, quickly announced his intention to stand in the upcoming contest and received immediate support from Nick Clegg, Malcolm Bruce and Chris Davies. Matthew Taylor had also said to BBC News 24 he would support Campbell if he stands. As Chief Executive of the party, Lord Rennard said that he cannot indicate his support for any particular candidate. Julia Goldsworthy told BBC News 24 that she supports Campbell for the leadership, but hoped that the election would be contested. Simon Ashley, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Manchester City Council,