VIC DALBERT

Sir Menzies Campbell has resigned as leader of the Liberal Democrats with immediate effect.

Yesterday evening a letter of resignation was delivered to Party President Simon Hughes MP.

The resignation means that an election for Ming Campbells replacement will now be held. With nominations opening today, ballot papers to all members being sent out by the end of the month and the result expected on December 17th.

Cllr Vic D’Albert said, “The party is indebted to Ming Campbell for the way he stabilized the party following Charles Kennedy’s resignation and he has been instrumental in modernising the party and supporting the adoption of more female and ethnic minority candidates. Clearly Ming felt that as leader he could take the party no further himself and following the postponement of a general election felt now was the right time to stand down. No doubt his vast experience and knowledge will still be fully utilised by the party in the future.”

Here is the full text of Sir Menzies Campbell’s letter of resignation as Leader of the Liberal Democrats:

“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