Sir Menzies Campbell

1.39.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 16th Oct 2007

Crawley Councillor Gordon Seekings and Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies (Ming) Campbell at the 2006 Lib Dem Spring Conference

Commenting on the resignation of Sir Menzies Campbell as leader of the Liberal Democrats Crawley Liberal Democrats leader, Cllr. Gordon Seekings, said "I have had the pleasure of knowing Ming for some years and I am not surprised that he has taken this course of action in view of the unwarranted speculations concerning his leadership. The actions of the media, if conducted in the course of the way they run their organisations, would have led to charges of ageism."

Continuing Gordon added "The endless speculation of Ming's leadership has not been one of the most edifying periods in the British media. One can only speculate as to whose interests are being served by the distraction from the very clear messages that Ming has been giving on the state of Britain today."

Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies (Ming) Campbell and Crawley Councillor Gordon Seekings at a meeting of Lib Dem Group Leaders

"Ming has consistently highlighted the issues that face us; the Environment, an illegal war being waged by this country in Iraq, the increasing intolerance of minorities in our society and the reduction in our civil liberties. His loss as Liberal Democrat leader will only enhance the forces of conservatism - whether they are in the Conservative party that has always put itself first or a Labour party that has lost its soul."

RESIGNATION LETTER BY SIR MENZIES CAMPBELL

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

Leader, Liberal Democrats