Chris Huhne became the first MP to enter the race to become Liberal Democrat leader yesterday with an admission by one of his lieutenants that he is the underdog.

Speaking at a Westminster restaurant, the party’s environment spokesman said that he would be campaigning for a “fairer, greener society where we put people in charge”.

“The Liberal Democrats need to be a party committed to the idea of a society where everybody’s individual work and chance is given its full possibility,” he said. “Too many people feel that they don’t have control over their own lives. Frankly, it’s disgusting that we live in a country where a child born into poverty has a life sentence.”

Mr Huhne sidestepped questions about whether his supporters had undermined Sir Menzies Campbell in the days preceding his departure. He said: “If you saw the interview with Ming, he made absolutely clear, as he had made clear to me personally when we last met last Thursday, that he thought I had been scrupulously loyal and that there was no question of any slur on my integrity in that matter.

“I can’t answer for other people, but I can assure you that I doubt there is anybody else in the parliamentary party who has spent as much time extolling the very substantial virtues of Ming as leader.”

The five MPs who attended Mr Huhne’s statement were the chairwoman of his campaign, Lynne Featherstone, who assisted him in the last leadership election; Martin Horwood, one of the campaign managers; David Howarth, a lawyer who often reflects activists’ views; Sandra Gidley, one of Mr Huhne’s neighbouring MPs in Hampshire; and Tom Brake.

Mr Huhne’s camp insisted that they already had the support of more than the seven Commons colleagues required for a place on the ballot paper.

Mr Horwood admitted that it might be no bad thing to be portrayed in second place at this point: “Liberal Democrats like an underdog; coming from second place is not necessarily a disadvantage.”

Indeed, Mr Huhne has several advantages over Nick Clegg, his principal rival, having already run for the leadership once. This will give him access to e-mail databases built up then, and he has also travelled the country assiduously talking to local parties.

Mr Clegg’s team last night said he would announce his campaign tomorrow. It is likely to be in Sheffield.

Steve Webb, the former health spokesman, is expected to announce his candidacy today. He is noted in the party for pioneering new forms of engagement with constituents and activists, including use of Facebook, the social network website. John Hemming, the Birmingham Yardley MP is also considering running.

Nominations close on October 31, and ballot papers will be sent out to party members from November 21. The winner will be announced in the week beginning December 16.

Out of the running

— Vince Cable, the acting leader and Treasury spokesman, will not be running. Mr Cable, 64, said that an older candidate was not electable because of the “irrational prejudice” shown towards Sir Menzies over his age

— Charles Kennedy, the former leader, said it was “highly unlikely” that he would run

— Susan Kramer, the transport spokeswoman, ruled herself out, saying “life is too short”

— Sarah Teather, the higher education spokeswoman, has also ruled herself out, as have Simon Hughes and David Laws

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