The Clegg-Huhne Roadshow pitchs up in Brussels

The two leadership contestants found themselves in familiar surroundings as they took their Hustings roadshow to the European Parliament this afternoon. Speaking to a large group of MEPs (and not just to those from the UK), assistants, journalists, local party members and others, they put their case and answered a few questions. Given how late this Hustings came in the proceedings, I was surprised how many present had not voted and who were genuinely waiting to consider the performances of the candidates before completing their ballot papers.

My own view was (and I think this is a repeating theme in the blogs I read post-Hustings and post-TV appearances) that there was not much in it. Two very polished speeches supported by some good answers to the five or so questions. They both reaffirmed their pro-EU credentials and said they would lead the party in that image. The issue of the Euro was off the political agenda so no point in the party returning to that unless it was of real benefit to the UK economy. A question about Trident (the answers are well-rehearsed to this one of course) and a further question about the innate Euroscepticism amongst many in the Westminster parliamentary party (’what scepticism?’ they answered).

One non-Liberal Democrat Assistant said to me on the way out ‘Nick had more energy’ and perhaps that was all there was to separate them overall. Possibly that is how the membership is also seeing it.