Dear Friend,

As I’m sure you know this is the last week of the Liberal Democrat leadership contest. For your vote to count it needs arrive by first post on Saturday. So if you haven’t already voted I urge you to do so now.

We are fortunate to have two excellent candidates to be leader. I would be delighted work with either of them. And I believe this contest has been an excellent showcase for our party.

However my vote in this election has gone to Nick Clegg. I believe he has that ‘X factor’ that means he can reach out to those millions of voters who share our values but who do not yet support us.

I’ve worked closely with Nick on a number of important issues over recent years – immigration, improving diversity in our party and policing. And what has particularly impressed me is the way in which he is able to convey authentic liberal values to a wider audience. That is a skill we must have in our next leader. It is not good enough to talk just to ourselves, we must reach out – Nick can do that.

Please do vote. This election is important to the future of our party and important to the future of our country.

Best wishes,

Simon Hughes MP

ps If you want to find out more about Nick’s campaign you can do so here: www.nickclegg.com; Chris’ website is here: www.chris2win.org