Articles and Speeches

LibDem Leadership Concerns
13-Jan-06, Windsor Express Article.

"Last Saturday, whilst meeting residents on the doorsteps of Sunninghill, it became clear that something was afoot.

The Lib-Dem leadership was ruffling the feathers of the most loyal Lib-Dem supporters who seemed somewhat dismayed at the hard-hearted treatment of Charles Kennedy by their MPs.

Having knocked on some 35,000 doors across the constituency with the team over the last few years, I am always struck by the warmth and good nature of Lib-Dem voters. We tend to agree on many issues when it comes to the environment, education and the importance of local decision-making for local communities.

So I could certainly empathise with the shock at the events of last week as Charles Kennedy – who was courageously open and honest about his challenges with alcohol - was bullied to step down by senior Lib-Dem MPs.

This appears to be very harsh treatment by his colleagues and it is unsurprising that many Lib-Dems are now openly declaring they will support the party no longer.

We must watch and wait with interest, but for the sake of all of us I hope the back-stabbing and open warfare will cease so that we can get back to a sensible debate about the future of our nation."