Stop Opik campaign 'succeeds'

The Liberal Democrats' unofficial campaign to stop Montgomeryshire MP Lembit Opik from becoming party president appears to have succeeded, it was reported today.

Sources say Mr Opik has secured the support of only six of the Liberal Democrat MPs - less than a tenth of the total.

The view is that Mr Opik's relationships with the weather forecaster Sian Lloyd and Gabriela Irimia, one half of the Cheeky Girls, have embarrassed the party, not least its leader, Nick Clegg.

One insider described Mr Opik as 'a joker'.

An undercover "Stop Lembit Opik" movement had been mounted in the party. Mr Clegg has insisted he will remain neutral.

A ballot of all party members is now in progress and will continue until November 7, after which the count will take place.

The successful candidate to succeed the present incumbent Simon Hughes, will serve from January 1, 2009 until December 31, 2010.

The favourite for the post is Baroness Ros Scott, a former group leader on Suffolk County Council.