Simon Hoggart: Charles Kennedy answered his critics yesterday, responding to those who accused him of being asleep at the wheel since the general election.
Charlie is their darling - for now
Leader: The conference revived all the old scepticism about Mr Kennedy's appetite and aptitude for the top job. That he actually had to say that he wanted to lead a Liberal Democrat government indicates how deep the problem had become.
I do want to be prime minister, Kennedy tells his doubters
· Leader defends decision to allow big policy rethink · Attempt to defuse party's left-right tensions
