Lib-Dems’ leader quits in face of growing criticism

Oct 16 2007 by David Higgerson, Liverpool Daily Post

SIR Menzies Campbell dramatically quit as Liberal Democrat leader last night, after admitting growing criticism of him was dragging down his party.

The 66-year-old Sir Menzies shocked Westminster by resigning with immediate effect, just one day after insisting there was "no vacancy" at the top of his party.

The announcement was made by party president Simon Hughes and deputy leader Vincent Cable, triggering claims he had been "knifed". Reporters shouted: "Did you wield the dagger?"

Both MPs had notably failed to offer their full support to Sir Menzies in recent days. At the weekend, Mr Hughes said he "obviously has to do better".

Last night, the resigning leader was said to be heading back to Scotland, having made no comment to the TV cameras about his departure.

But senior Lib-Dems insisted it had been "entirely Ming's decision", a recognition that he would be too old to fight a general election, now at least 18 months away.

In a short statement released later, Sir Menzies said he had succeeded in his objectives of restoring stability to the party, making it more professional and preparing for a general election.

But, he wrote: "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."

The timing surprised MPs, coming little more than one week after Gordon Brown abandoned plans for a general election next month.

That looming election had made senior Lib-Dems unhappy at Sir Menzies' performance reluctant to move against him, a reason swept away by the Prime Minister's decision to delay a poll.

The focus quickly switched to the Lib-Dems' plunging poll ratings, as low as 11% in some surveys, as supporters switched to the resurgent Conservatives.

It leaves the Lib-Dems looking for their third leader in just two years and with a new reputation for ruthlessness after Charles Kennedy was forced out early in 2006.

The spotlight immediately fell on home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg and environment spokesman Chris Huhne, the two most likely successors.

Leftwinger Steve Webb, in charge of the election manifesto, may also enter the race. Contenders need the backing of seven of the 63 Lib-Dem MPs.

The battle ahead will also decide the future direction of the Lib-Dems, with Mr Clegg seen as on the right of the party and Mr Huhne, who previously worked as a journalist on the Liverpool Daily Post, more committed to social justice.

Last night, both Southport Liberal Democrat MP John Pugh and Liverpool City Council leader Warren Bradley said Sir Menzies had taken the right decision but denied he had been knifed.

Dr Pugh said: "Ming has looked at the evidence and decided that, with a long parliament ahead, he could have been fighting an election at the age of 69.

"I always felt Ming was the kind of person to put the interests of the party ahead of his own and that's what he has done."

Cllr Bradley said: "Although Ming has done a great job for us, his position was more and more difficult. A lot of people said to me that they wanted somebody younger."

The city council leader backed Mr Clegg to be the next leader but Dr Pugh said that there were "three very strong candidates".