A Birmingham MP wants to stand in the Liberal Democrat leadership race following Charles Kennedy's resignation.

John Hemming, former deputy city council leader and self-confessed love rat, said he would put himself forward if he gained enough support from party colleagues.

Mr Hemming yesterday welcomed Kennedy's resignation and said he had been unhappy at the way the party was being run.

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The Yardley MP described himself as seventh favourite for the leadership and would make a decision at this week's party conference as to whether he would put himself forward.

He said: "I am talking to people within the party as to whether I should go for it or not and I will make a decision after Saturday's conference.

"There are certainly a number of people who think it is a good idea but I am not gagging for it. If people want me to I will stand."

Mr Hemming said he was the only Liberal Democrat MP not to sign the nomination papers for Charles Kennedy last May.

However, if he wins a leadership contest, he said he would welcome Mr Kennedy into his shadow cabinet.

"I wasn't really a great fan of Charles's leadership. He did a very good job up until June 2005 and I think he should have moved on after that. But I think the way everything has happened is rather sad and could have been done in a more effective manner."

Mr Hemming said Kennedy had not been dishonest in failing to admit his problem with alcohol addiction.

"My view is that Charles Kennedy's bravery in accepting publicly that he has a problem with alcohol should be recognised as a courageous step that in no way prevents him being a good party leader," he said.

"Winston Churchill was known to be drunk on many occasions, but people recognise his merits as a leader."

Mr Hemming said he did not think his affair with his researcher and Birmingham councillor Emily Cox would damage his leadership chances.

The couple recently had a baby, Isabel, although Mr Hemming has remained with his wife, Christine, with whom he has three children.

If he won the leadership race, Mr Hemming wishes to improve communication and accountability within the party.