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| Ming Campbell |
President of the Liberal Democrats, Simon Hughes MP said today: “Ming Campbell has this evening submitted his resignation as the Leader of the Liberal Democrats with immediate effect.
“Over the past two years, Ming has given stability and purpose to our Party. He has hugely professionalised the working of our Party and led its very successful preparations for the next general election.
“Ming has made this decision - as all his political decisions - in the interest of his Party and Liberal Democracy throughout Britain.
Every Liberal Democrat owes Ming a huge debt of gratitude. “Vince Cable, our Deputy Leader will take over as Party leader until a new leader is elected according to our rules. The detailed election timetable will be announced tomorrow.” Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats,
Vince Cable MP said: “During his time as Leader, Ming has earned the respect, affection and gratitude of the Party.
This was reflected in the warmth with which his speech was received by the Party conference three weeks ago. The key message of that speech was that the Liberal Democrats are the only Party with the distinctive, positive vision of a fairer and greener Britain.
“Throughout his political life Ming has campaigned for liberal values and social justice and we will ensure that we build on that legacy.” |
When I was elected Leader of the Party in March 2006 I had three objectives. First, to restore stability and purpose in the party following my predecessor’s resignation and the leadership campaign itself, second to make the internal operations of the party more professional, and third to prepare the party for a General Election.
With the help of others, I believe that I have fulfilled these objectives, although I am convinced that the internal structures of the party need radical revision if we are to compete effectively against Labour and the Conservatives.
But it has become clear that following the Prime Minister’s decision not to hold an election, questions about leadership are getting in the way of further progress by the party.
Accordingly I now submit my resignation as Leader with immediate effect.
I do not intend to hold a press conference or to make any further comment.
Yours sincerely,
Menzies Campbell
Leader, Liberal Democrats
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| A truly good man has resigned |
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Hampshire County Council
Brian Dash |
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The news that Ming Campbell has stood down is sad but not surprising. His resignation is an acceptance that relentless media ageism has proved too difficult a burden to carry until 2010.
Ming’s decency, enormous ability, dedication, compassion and vision proved insufficient in today’s political circus. We Liberal Democrats will remain grateful for his achievements and proud that he was our leader.
That there are very talented potential successors on the Lib Dem front bench is in no small measure a tribute to Ming’s leadership. The Party is in great shape. |
| Message from Terry Scriven |
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| Parliamentary Candidate Terry Scriven, |
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Sir Menzies Campbell (Ming) the Leader of the Liberal Democrats has resigned. In his resignation letter he said that he was able to achieve his three key objectives of restoring stability and purpose in the party, made the internal operations of the party more professional, and prepared the party for a General Election.
Having achieved his three objectives he has decided to step down and allow a new leader to take the Liberal Democrats into the election in 2009 or whenever it will be. In the mean time Vince Cable MP, the deputy leader will take over the leadership.
Terry Scriven the Liberal Democrat prospective Member of Parliament for New Forest East said,” Ming is a gentleman and a man of integrity, which is quite refreshing, he took on the leadership at what was a difficult time.” Terry went on to say, “ He has shown amazing courage and selflessness by stepping aside and making way for a new leader. I have written to Ming to wish him well and hope that he will continue to play a major role in British politics and for the Liberal Democrats in particular.
Nominations open today for leadership candidates and will close on the 31st October. It is planned that ballot papers will go out to members by the end of November The new leader will then be announced the week commencing 17th December. Unlike the Conservative and Labour Parties every Liberal Democrat member is able to vote for their leader. |
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