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Posted on 10/15/2007 11:05:27 AM PDT by UKrepublican
Sir Menzies Campbell Has Resigned
Sir Menzies Campbell has resigned the leadership of the Liberal Democrats with immediate effect.
Sir Menzies CampbellIn a statement, party president Simon Hughes said deputy leader Vince Cable would take over temporarily.
He said: "For the last two years he has given huge purpose and stability to our party.
"He has led the professionalisation of the party and laid the very successful preparations for the General Election whenever it comes.
"Throughout his political life he has taken all of his decisions and this decision is one of them.
"Every Liberal-Democrat and many other people owe him a huge debt of gratitude."
Vince Cable added: "Sir Menzies Campbell deserves the gratitude and respect of our party.
"He has had a long political career and he has fought for justice and liberal values and we will ensure that we build on that political legacy."
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has paid tribute to the former leader: "Sir Menzies Campbell is a man of great stature and integrity that served his party and country with distinction,"he said.
"His contribution on foreign policy and international affairs is valued throughout the world and I am sure he will continue to make a major contribution to public life."
Sky News' Political Editor Adam Boulton said people would be asking who was responsible for the sudden nature of Sir Menzies' resignation.
"It is likely that Simon Hughes and Vincent Cable will go down as knife-men for the remarkable failure of support they have had for Sir Menzies in recent days," he said.
Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker told Sky News that he did not know if the former leader had resigned or been pushed, but he said: "We could have done a better job of defending him than we have done."
"He did nothing wrong," he added.
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A Liberal falls on his sword.
Can’t say I’ll shed any tears - but in fairness, it would be hard to dispute that he is a decent guy. Just politically a complete idiot.
“...Sir Menzies - pronounced Ming...” (another source)
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