Menzies Campbell Resigns
Sir Menzies Campbell plays paper, scissors or stone.Veteran Liberal Democrat Sir Menzies (Ming) Campbell announced his resignation as the party's leader in a brief statement last night. Campbell, who has only been leader since May 2006, cited "questions about leadership" as the reason for the shock announcement. His deputy, Dr Vince Cable, will stand in as acting leader pending a leadership election in the new year.
Sir Ming's resignation letter to party president Simon Hughes MP read as follows:
The President
The Liberal Democrats
15th October 2007
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
It has not been an easy few weeks for Sir Ming as the party's approval rating slumped to only 11%, the worst for more than a decade, in recent opinion polls. It's also believed the Prime Minister's decision to delay a general election until 2009 - 2010 has weighed heavily on Sir Ming's mind - he isn't getting any younger. It seems a shame that he's gone - I like the Liberal Democrats being reminded of their place as one of the nation's most inferior political parties!
Sir Ming's resignation letter to party president Simon Hughes MP read as follows:
The President
The Liberal Democrats
15th October 2007
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
It has not been an easy few weeks for Sir Ming as the party's approval rating slumped to only 11%, the worst for more than a decade, in recent opinion polls. It's also believed the Prime Minister's decision to delay a general election until 2009 - 2010 has weighed heavily on Sir Ming's mind - he isn't getting any younger. It seems a shame that he's gone - I like the Liberal Democrats being reminded of their place as one of the nation's most inferior political parties!
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