CEEFAX 1 144 Sun 08 Aug 14:12/17 ************ ************************** * *** *** ** ******** *********** ************ ** ******* * ******* 2/2 ASHDOWN SUCCESSOR BATTLE "TO BE CLOSE" The contest to replace Paddy Ashdown as leader of the Liberal Democrats could be close-run, according to reports.
The leading contenders, Charles Kennedy and Simon Hughes, are both confident they have enough support to win.
A postal ballot of the party's 90,000 members closed on Friday and the result will be announced tomorrow.
There are three other candidates standing for the post: Jackie Ballard, Malcolm Bruce and David Rendel.
Home news digest and in brief.... 141 News Index 102 Flash 150 Regional 160
