Clegg tipped as new LibDem leader

LONDON - The Liberal Democrats name their new leader on Tuesday at a time when support for the party is at its lowest in the polls for six years.

Home Affairs spokesman Nick Clegg, 40, is the bookmakers' favourite to beat environment spokesman Chris Huhne, 53.

Little separates the two on policy but the boyish-looking Clegg is tipped to win on personality.

The last leader, Menzies Campbell, resigned in October after persistent comment about his age and suitability to lead the party.

The change in command comes as polls indicate a collapse in support for Labour under Gordon Brown and a surge in support for the Conservatives.

A YouGov poll on Sunday put Labour 13 percentage points behind the Conservatives, the largest margin in more than 15 years.

Labour scored 32 points and the Conservatives 45 -- enough to give the Conservatives a substantial majority in parliament if the results were mirrored at the next election, due by 2010.

The LibDems trailed far behind at 14 percent.

Despite the LibDems poor poll ratings, the party has embarrassed Conservative leader David Cameron by rebuffing his overtures to form a "progressive alliance" against Labour.

Many analysts predict a hung parliament at the next election, meaning parties would need coalition partners.

The LibDems new leader is expected to give the party's front bench a makeover that could include a role for former leader Charles Kennedy.

Kennedy was the party's most successful leader in recent times but was forced to quit in January 2006, admitting he had an alcohol problem.