Front-runner for the Umno Youth vice chief post Khairy Jamaluddin finally announced his readiness to contest the post at the September party polls, saying that he would "welcome the challenge from any candidate".

"I'm prepared for a contest...I'm not asking any candidate to withdraw or give way," Khairy told a media conference in Seremban today to announce his intention, according to a Bernama report.

Over in Kedah however, nominee Mukhriz Mahathir - who received one divisional nomination but lost his challenge to be the Kubang Pasu Youth chief - said he "won't campaign" for the vice-chief post but did not rule out the possibility of running.

Brighter chance

"For the time being, I'm concentrating on the Youth Exco post where I see a brighter chance of winning. Let those who are older and with more experience in the movement contest for the vice head post," Mukhriz told Bernama.

Khairy currently leads the vice-chief contest by at least 31 nominations earlier today, ahead of Azimi Daim's single nomination, and Mukhriz's.

Azimi had also pulled out of the race last week, following an announcement by Perak Umno that it would be backing incumbent chief Hishammuddin Hussein, and Khairy as his deputy.