Huhne’s ex-wife may set out to become an MP

Energy Secretary Chris Huhne’s ex-wife Vicky Pryce is considering seeking election as a Liberal Democrat MP.

Ms Pryce said she was still “rebuilding” her life after her husband’s shock announcement last year that he was leaving her for a political aide with whom he had been having an affair.

She revealed that Mr Huhne told her he was leaving during the half-time break of a televised World Cup match in June 2010 – and then immediately went to his study to write a statement and send it out to the Press.

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But she refused to discuss the police investigation into allegations that Mr Huhne asked her to take the penalty points for a speeding offence in 2003 so that he would not lose his licence.

Following their split, the Greek-born economist and former civil servant has become a regular presence on the TV screens discussing the crisis in the eurozone, but has rarely spoken about her personal life or her political ambitions. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s World at One yesterday, she made clear she would like to find a position in the political front line.

“I am a Liberal Democrat. I have become much more keen recently to do something in politics,” said the 59-year-old mother-of-five.

“I have been thinking about how to become much more involved, either through finding a seat – but of course it is going to be rather hard in the next election – or some other way.”

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She added: “Certainly, in terms of economics, which is my field, I could contribute quite a lot. I’m trying hard to think whether there has ever been a woman Chancellor – I don’t think so.

“I’m not suggesting that I am so big-headed that I ever think that this could be the case, but it would be nice to encourage women to think they can do it.”

She said her husband told her the marriage was over because the Press had found out he was having an affair and was about to report it.