TAUNTON'S LibDem MP Jeremy Browne is backing his line manager to become the new party leader following Sir Menzies Campbell's resignation.

Mr Browne paid tribute to Sir Ming before getting behind Nick Clegg, the frontrunner to take over.

The Taunton MP described his former leader as "gracious, chivalrous, decent and dutiful", adding that Monday's sudden resignation after 18 months in the job probably saved Sir Ming from being driven out.

"I was supportive of him and backed him in the leadership bid after Charles Kennedy," said Mr Browne.

"It would have been unedifying and humiliating if he'd been subjected to stories every day and then been forced out."

Mr Browne served as deputy foreign affairs spokesman and latterly deputy home affairs spokesman under Sir Ming.

In the latter post, he reported to Mr Clegg, who he offered his support to on Monday 15 minutes after Sir Ming's resignation.

Leadership contenders, who need the backing of seven LibDem MPs, must get their nomination papers in by October 31, with the outcome due before Christmas.

Theo Butt Philip, who hopes to stand for the LibDems in Bridgwater and West Somerset at the next General Election, praised Sir Ming for giving the party "stability" at a difficult time.

He added: "I'm deeply personally saddened by Sir Menzies' resignation.

"Having worked with him on the party policy committee over the course of his leadership, I've had the privilege to see him in action.

"His resignation demonstrates the very qualities which led to the party choosing him as leader - he's been utterly selfless and put the interests of the party first as always."

Graham Watson, LibDem MEP for the South-West and Gibraltar, said: "Sir Menzies served the party honourably and to the best of his ability and I regret his decision to resign.

"I hope my Westminster colleagues will find it in themselves to unite behind the party's next leader."