LIBERAL Democrat leadership contender Chris Huhne will today make a flying visit to an Oxford hospital in an attempt to drum up support for his campaign.
Mr Huhne has already won the backing of the city's Oxford West and Abingdon MP Dr Evan Harris - and will be aiming to secure extra votes from party activists whose ballot papers were sent out this week.
The leadership hopeful, who will be given a tour of a PFI-funded wing of the John Radcliffe, said: "Healthcare professionals at the John Radcliffe Hospital are a great example of people who deliver a wonderful service often against the odds and who know what the needs of local people and the local area are."
Dr Harris said he was backing Mr Huhne, the party's environment spokesman, as the "radical" choice for leader over rival Nick Clegg.
He said: "I have known Chris Huhne for over 20 years as a political campaigner, journalist, businessman, MEP and leading party spokesman.
"He was SDP candidate in Oxford West and Abingdon in 1987 when his energetic campaign paved the way for my gaining the seat ten years later.
"Both candidates are very effective communicators but I have been particularly struck by Chris Huhne's commitment to ensuring that the Liberal Democrats remain a progressive and radical party."
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