in his keynote address to the Liberal Democrat conference Nick Clegg has highlighted several of the key contenders expected to be in the running to replace him as leader when he stands aside.

Mr Clegg, who made no reference to his own future, highlighted the achievements in government of Danny Alexander, Ed Davey and Norman Lamb.

Tim Farron, the outgoing party president, won a more jokey mention from Mr Clegg, as did Vince Cable, the Business Secretary.

Potential candidates have faced repeated questions at this week's Glasgow conference about whether they would be interested in taking over the leadership of the party as and when Mr Clegg leaves his post.

Mr Alexander, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, was praised for his role in the referendum campaign and Mr Clegg added: "(Voters) can be sure we'll finish balancing the books fairly too. Danny set it all out on Sunday: Eliminating the deficit in the first three years of the next parliament, and then bringing debt down steadily and sustainably."

Referencing Energy Secretary Mr Davey, Mr Clegg said: "Both parties in this Government promised we would stick to our green commitments, but it has taken constant pressure from the Liberal Democrats - not least Ed Davey - to hold the Tories to their word. And I can tell you now that a sustainable environment will remain at the heart of our vision for Britain's future - it's not green crap to us."

Health announcements were a major part of the speech and Mr Clegg praised Care Minister Mr Lamb, as well as his predecessor in the post Paul Burstow, in the section on mental health.

Mr Clegg said: "I want this to be a country where a young dad chatting at the school gates will feel as comfortable discussing anxiety or depression as the mum who's explaining how she sprained her ankle."