Ananova:

Sir Menzies Campbell edged ahead in the Liberal Democrat leadership race as polls closed.

Sir Menzies was the early favourite after being made acting leader when Charles Kennedy was forced to quit over his drinking.

A string of Lib Dem MPs swiftly backed the veteran foreign affairs spokesman, along with ex-leaders Lords Ashdown and Steel.

But strong support from punters soon made Party President Simon Hughes the bookmakers' favourite.

Mr Hughes, popular with the 73,000 party activists who will decide the contest, lost that lead when he was forced to admit repeatedly lying about his sexuality.

His confession prompted a string of bets on dark horse Chris Huhne, making him favourite to take charge despite being elected an MP only last May.

In recent days Mr Huhne and Sir Menzies have been neck and neck but when polling closed at noon, the acting leader was back in front.

Sir Menzies was at 8/11 with Ladbrokes while his rival had slipped to even money. Mr Hughes was at 20/1.

Ladbrokes spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "The worm has turned and Campbell has his nose in front again. It still looks very close, but he would appear to have the edge going into the final furlong."

The postal votes will be counted and the result announced on Thursday in time for the party's spring conference which starts on Friday.