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09/01/2006
Kennedy resignation leads to Lib Dem leadership contest
The Liberal Democrats are set for a leadership battle, following Charles Kennedy's resignation on Saturday.
The party's deputy leader, Sir Menzies Campbell, is the only candidate to announce his intention to run for the leadership so far.
Sir Menzies, 64, is currently acting leader of the party, following Mr Kennedy's resignation after admitting last week to his problems with alcohol addiction.
According to reports, Sir Menzies has the support of 23 of the party's 62 MPs.
Former party leader, Lord Ashdown, has announced his "clear and unequivocal" support for Sir Menzies this morning in an interview with BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme.
Party President Simon Hughes and the party's home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten are seen as the two likeliest candidates to challenge Sir Menzies, although neither has yet declared their intention to stand.
Mr Kennedy announced his resignation on Saturday, two days after making a personal statement in which he admitted having a drink problem. His resignation came after 25 MPs threatened to resign from the frontbench team unless he stood down as party leader.
It is feared that Mr Kennedy's resignation could lead to a split between MPs and party members, amid reports of accusations of a 'plot' by party MPs to remove Mr Kennedy - claims which have been denied by senior MPs.
Mr Kennedy has urged the party to hold a leadership contest to determine the next party leader. During his resignation speech, he said: "When I made my personal statement on Thursday afternoon I said then that I thought it was only fair to give our party members their say over my continuing leadership.
"We fought for and founded this party on the fundamental principle of one member - one vote. I urge them to stick with us and to exercise that right in the leadership election."
The party's Federal Executive will draw up a timetable for the leadership election at a meeting this evening.
(KMcA)
The party's deputy leader, Sir Menzies Campbell, is the only candidate to announce his intention to run for the leadership so far.
Sir Menzies, 64, is currently acting leader of the party, following Mr Kennedy's resignation after admitting last week to his problems with alcohol addiction.
According to reports, Sir Menzies has the support of 23 of the party's 62 MPs.
Former party leader, Lord Ashdown, has announced his "clear and unequivocal" support for Sir Menzies this morning in an interview with BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme.
Party President Simon Hughes and the party's home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten are seen as the two likeliest candidates to challenge Sir Menzies, although neither has yet declared their intention to stand.
Mr Kennedy announced his resignation on Saturday, two days after making a personal statement in which he admitted having a drink problem. His resignation came after 25 MPs threatened to resign from the frontbench team unless he stood down as party leader.
It is feared that Mr Kennedy's resignation could lead to a split between MPs and party members, amid reports of accusations of a 'plot' by party MPs to remove Mr Kennedy - claims which have been denied by senior MPs.
Mr Kennedy has urged the party to hold a leadership contest to determine the next party leader. During his resignation speech, he said: "When I made my personal statement on Thursday afternoon I said then that I thought it was only fair to give our party members their say over my continuing leadership.
"We fought for and founded this party on the fundamental principle of one member - one vote. I urge them to stick with us and to exercise that right in the leadership election."
The party's Federal Executive will draw up a timetable for the leadership election at a meeting this evening.
(KMcA)
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10 January 2006
Oaten to run for Lib Dem leadership
Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten has announced that he will run for leadership of the party. Mr Oaten will challenge the party's deputy leader Sir Menzies Campbell in the leadership contest, which was announced after Charles Kennedy's resignation.
Oaten to run for Lib Dem leadership
Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten has announced that he will run for leadership of the party. Mr Oaten will challenge the party's deputy leader Sir Menzies Campbell in the leadership contest, which was announced after Charles Kennedy's resignation.
15 June 2005
Tory MPs to vote on leadership election changes
Conservatives MPs are due to vote tonight on how the leader of the party should be elected.
Tory MPs to vote on leadership election changes
Conservatives MPs are due to vote tonight on how the leader of the party should be elected.
06 January 2006
Kennedy faces increasing pressure from MPs
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy is facing increasing pressure from the party's MPs to step down, after he admitted having a drink problem yesterday. It emerged that eleven Lib Dem MPs had signed a letter of no confidence, prior to Mr Kennedy's statement, and were now threatening to call for a motion of no confidence next week.
Kennedy faces increasing pressure from MPs
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy is facing increasing pressure from the party's MPs to step down, after he admitted having a drink problem yesterday. It emerged that eleven Lib Dem MPs had signed a letter of no confidence, prior to Mr Kennedy's statement, and were now threatening to call for a motion of no confidence next week.
16 October 2007
Ming Dynasty Ends For Lib Dems
The Liberal Democrats are set to begin the search for a new leader after Sir Menzies Campbell announced his resignation on Monday evening.
Ming Dynasty Ends For Lib Dems
The Liberal Democrats are set to begin the search for a new leader after Sir Menzies Campbell announced his resignation on Monday evening.
23 June 2003
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
