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CJ Cregg
Commodore
Joined: 05 Oct 2002
Posts: 1254
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 Sat Jan 07, 2006 10:23 am Kennedy Stands Down |
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| Quote: | Charles Kennedy has resigned as Liberal Democrat leader.
In a statement at Lib Dem headquarters, Mr Kennedy said he had been "inundated" with messages of support from ordinary party members.
But it had become clear he did not have strong enough support among MPs and had decided to quit with immediate effect.
It comes after 25 MPs delivered an ultimatum saying they would refuse to serve on the Lib Dem front bench unless he resigned by Monday.
Mr Kennedy on Thursday said he would call - and stand in - a leadership election after admitting battling to overcome a drink problem.
Now he says he will play no part in that leadership contest. |
| Quote: | Who Next?
SIMON HUGHES, 54
The only potential contender who has not ruled himself out of standing against Mr Kennedy. Has said he will make no announcement on whether he will stand until he fulfils his official role of chairing the committee overseeing the election arrangements. Came second to Mr Kennedy in the 1999 leadership ballot and also mounted a failed bid to be London mayor in 2004. A left-leaning figure with populist instincts and fluent television manner who has a strong support base in the party, demonstrated by his election last year as president.
SIR MENZIES CAMPBELL, 64
Deputy leader and foreign affairs spokesman. A former Olympic runner and eminent Scottish lawyer. Was recently given the all clear after treatment for cancer. He would be the oldest likely candidate. Was among those thought to be unhappy with Mr Kennedy's performance, telling him he had to "raise his game". But was also among the first to pledge his loyalty when Mr Kennedy announced a contest. "I have said on many occasions that I would not stand in a leadership election against Charles Kennedy, and I confirm that again this evening," he told reporters.
MARK OATEN, 41
One of a new breed of Lib Dem MPs with more right wing instincts. Has impressed many in the role of home affairs spokesman with his brand of "tough liberalism". Was the first potential candidate to rule himself out after Mr Kennedy's statement, praising it as "brave and commendable" and saying he was "deeply disappointed" about the "whispering campaign" which he said had taken place against Mr Kennedy. "I will be actively campaigning for Charles as he reconfirms the members' support," he said.
VINCENT CABLE, 62
Has emerged as the prime mover behind attempts to oust Mr Kennedy. Organised a letter signed by 11 frontbenchers saying they had lost confidence in Mr Kennedy as leader. Has said he has no plans to stand against Mr Kennedy - but nothing could be ruled out in the current circumstances. Has performed well in the Treasury brief but could be seen as too old to be leader.
DAVID LAWS, 40
Work and pensions spokesman. Fast rising star on the right of the party. Signed the letter of no confidence in Mr Kennedy. Clashed with the Lib Dem leader over his co-authorship of the Orange Book, setting out proposals for a shift to more pro-market, less regulative policies. Might pick up support in any leadership contest as a "stop Simon Hughes" candidate, but free market views might not go down well with grassroots party.
NICK CLEGG, 38
Bright, articulate and ambitious former MEP who entered Parliament this year. Could be the Lib Dem's answer to David Cameron if the party decides it wants to skip a generation. Was critical of the party's strategy at the general election but has stayed out of the controversy surrounding Mr Kennedy. |
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Republican_Man
STV's Premier Conservative
Joined: 26 Mar 2004
Posts: 14823
Location: Classified
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| Sat Jan 07, 2006 5:52 pm |
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Damn it! When I saw "Kennedy Stands Down," I was thinking it was Ted Kennedy! Shoot!
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"Rights are only as good as the willingness of some to exercise responsibility for those rights- Fmr. Colorado Senate Pres. John Andrews
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CJ Cregg
Commodore
Joined: 05 Oct 2002
Posts: 1254
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| Sat Jan 07, 2006 6:19 pm |
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I did the title like that so more people woule actually come and read it
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Seven of Nine
Sammie's Mammy
Joined: 16 Jun 2001
Posts: 7871
Location: North East England
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| Sat Jan 07, 2006 6:41 pm |
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I knew who you mean... Charles Kennedy was the first person who came into my head.
There again, until 2001, I thought that Paddy Ashdown was still leader :p(yeah, I took a great interest in politics then!)
I don't know who'll be the next leader, I just hope it's someone leftwing... the last thing we need is for my backup party to go all right wing on me!
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CJ Cregg
Commodore
Joined: 05 Oct 2002
Posts: 1254
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| Sat Jan 07, 2006 6:56 pm |
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I'm hoping for SIR MENZIES CAMPBELL, the current interim leader. He seems much more like a possible future PM than Kennedy ever did. Who could imagine Kennedy as PM, Not me
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Cathexis
The Angel of Avalon
Joined: 26 Dec 2001
Posts: 5901
Location: ~~ Where Dreams Have No End�
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| Sat Jan 07, 2006 7:37 pm |
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| Republican_Man wrote: | Damn it! When I saw "Kennedy Stands Down," I was thinking it was Ted Kennedy! Shoot!
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No kidding................lol....
Where are all the Kennedies headed...lol..
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CJ Cregg
Commodore
Joined: 05 Oct 2002
Posts: 1254
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| Mon Jan 09, 2006 4:04 am |
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Ashdown backs Campbell as leader
| Quote: | Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown has backed Sir Menzies Campbell to succeed Charles Kennedy.
Lord Ashdown said Sir Menzies, the deputy leader and foreign affairs spokesman, was the right person to take the party into its next phase.
Sir Menzies is so far the only candidate who has said he will stand, but there are growing calls for other candidates to put forward their names.
A timetable to elect the new leader is set to be drawn up on Monday.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4593888.stm |
Another, if not the biggest, name in the Lib Dem's has come out for Campbell. I would predict with almost 95% certainty that Campbell will be the next proper leader. Technically he is already leader 
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