THE race to be the next Liberal Democrat leader could shape up to be an intriguing local battle.

Soon after Winchester MP, Mark Oaten, announced he was to stand, it was revealed that his Eastleigh counterpart, Chris Huhne, could also be running.

With Winchester certain to take centre stage in the fight for leadership, the county now could be the scene of an unprecedented contest with two neighbouring MPs as contenders.

Mr Oaten made his announcement in London on Tuesday, and has since tried to reassure constituents that he will not lose track of events closer to home.

The 41-year-old father-of-two said Winchester remained his priority, and that constituency staff would not be diverted to his campaign team.

"Everyone who's in Winchester stays in Winchester."

Following his decision to stand, Mr Oaten has featured regularly in the media, and admitted that both he and his family were now in the spotlight.

"I think the priority is to limit the exposure that the children receive. We've only had one television clip with them and want to keep them as protected as we can."

He added that he had received hundreds of messages of support after the party's former leader, Charles Kennedy, quit at the weekend.

Mr Oaten had previously stated that he would not fight him for the leadership, but with his former boss out of the equation, the Winchester MP has decided to stand.

He will face the acting leader, Sir Menzies Campbell, who represents Fife North East. The 64-year-old is regarded by many as the man to beat.

Political commentators also expect the party's president, 54-year-old Simon Hughes, to enter the tussle.

Meanwhile, rookie Eastleigh MP Mr Huhne is yet to rule himself out of the contest.

Despite remaining tight-lipped, the 51-year-old former European Parliament member did have some words of praise for Mr Oaten.

"I think Mark has great talent, and a fantastic common man's touch," he told the Chronicle.

Romsey MP, Sandra Gidley, said it was no surprise that her Lib Dem colleague in Winchester was standing for the top job.

"He's had ambitions to lead the party for some time."

She declined to say who she would support, but added that she would be happy to work with either of the candidates who had entered the contest so far.

Sheila Campbell, leader of Winchester City Council, was more forthcoming, pledging her support to Mr Oaten.

"I think he is the dynamic future of the Liberal Democrats," she said.

Her deputy on the council, Thrse Evans, also gave the city's MP her backing.

"I don't think he would have stood if he didn't think he had a reasonable amount of support," she added.

The new leader is due to be revealed on Thursday, March 2, after the 70,000 or so Lib Dem members nationwide have cast their votes.