Romsey'S MP is remaining tight-lipped about who she's supporting in the Lib Dem party leadership battle.

Sandra Gidley was one of 11 Liberal Democrats who signed a letter questioning Charles Kennedy's ability to continue at the top.

Mr Kennedy publicly confessed to having a drink problem last Thursday and then resigned on Saturday.

On Friday morning Mrs Gidley was one of the first of those 11 discontented MPs to speak on Radio 4's Today programme when she said: "Des Charles have the personal strength to tackle the triple demons of the Labour Party, the Conservative Party and a drink problem.? That's a tall order." She admitted that she had heard Kennedy's drink confession on her car radio in Waitrose car park.

She said she was angry that the drink issue had been " skirted round" at a meeting of the parliamentary party before Christmas.

Mrs Gidley said on Tuesday: "I was aware Charles had a drink problem and had reassurances he'd been dealing with the problem since July, 2003. He did a great job as leader. He's made the right decision and has gone out on a high.

"It's great sadness that things turned out like this. I signed a letter saying that he did a brilliant job but he ought to reflect on his position. I know a number of people had reservations about this."

Stressing the importance that Liberal Democrats unite behind the new leader who ever it may be, Mrs Gidley added: " I certainly don't want the job and haven't decided yet whether I will back Mark Oaten (Winchester MP).

"Ming Campbell is a potential leader in the making. He's very experienced and good at bringing people together. Mark has also been high profile. I would be happy to work with any likely candidate.

The main thing now is for the party to unite and get behind the new leader." Lib Dems will know in early March who will lead the party into May's local elections. Charles Kennedy visited Romsey almost exactly a year ago.

He toured the town, accompanied by Sandra Gidley, and showed particular interest in Romsey's Pubwatch scheme and voiced his opposition to the government's plans for 24-hour pub opening.