Sir Malcolm Bruce has put himself forward at the 11th hour to become the new deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats.
The veteran north-east MP – who is due to stand down at next year’s general election – is understood to have been asked by senior party figures to throw his hat into the ring.
The contest to become deputy to Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg has been triggered by the resignation of Simon Hughes, who quit last month to become the new justice minister in the Westminster government.
It had been widely expected to be a two-horse race between Solihull MP Lorely Burt and Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle.
However, with the window for nominations due to close today, Sir Malcolm has revealed that he will also be standing.
Speaking to the Press and Journal yesterday, the Gordon MP said: “I’ve been asked to do it, I’ve been nominated.
“I didn’t fly into the fray, I was approached by people who have asked me to consider it.
“The basis of this is that people think that the experience and the authority I have got would make me a useful member of the leadership team in the run-up to the election.
“I would be the link between the leader and the parliamentary party.
“Obviously it is nice to be asked to do it. I think it is a job where I can be useful. I have taken on high-profile roles before.”
The 69-year-old has represented Gordon since 1983, and occupied several senior roles over the years, including party chairman and Treasury spokesman.
He currently serves as Scottish Lib Dem president and chairman of the Commons international development select committee.
Lib Dem MPs are expected to vote in a ballot next week to appoint their new deputy leader, after a debate between the candidates.
Sir Malcolm is the most high-profile of the three, and is thought to have the support of the leadership.
However, Stephen Tall, co-editor of the Liberal Democrat Voice blog, said he believed the fact Sir Malcolm would be standing down next year could count against him.
He said: “Other than the party’s wish to ensure one of its seven women MPs has a leadership role, there is another important consideration – the post will give whoever holds it increased media profile.
“It would be a surprise if MPs chose to give that opportunity to an MP who’s retiring rather than an MP who’s defending a marginal seat.”