Lib Dem leader quits before new assault

Charles Kennedy, who has resigned after much persuading, and his wife Sarah Gurling. Picture / Reuters

LONDON - Charles Kennedy resigned yesterday as British Liberal Democrat leader after it became clear he would face an onslaught from his most senior MPs, and further revelations about his drinking problem, if he pressed ahead with his plans to fight in a leadership election.

Bowing to overwhelming pressure, Kennedy said it was his "duty" to stand down "in the interests of our party".

His sudden exit after six years as leader came as MPs prepared to reveal the details of further damaging revelations about his performance as leader.

A "charge sheet" of the more embarrassing incidents, including accounts of how he failed to turn up at party meetings and was often bleary-eyed and showing signs of drink-related illness, was being prepared.

MPs spent recent days "comparing notes" about his performance, including drink-related incidents, for use if Kennedy refused to quit.

Local party leaders and allies contacted the former leader's office yesterday calling for him to go, delivering the fatal final blows.

Sir Menzies Campbell, who took over as leader and who has the backing of most of the party's senior MPs, immediately announced his intention to stand. A poll yesterday showed he had 49 per cent support.

Other front-runners - Simon Hughes, the party president, and Mark Oaten, the home affairs spokesman - have so far delayed entering the race.

Kennedy said he was "standing down as leader with immediate effect".

"I have been in politics for far too long to be overly sentimental about this sort of moment," he said, offering his heartfelt thanks to his wife Sarah and to his closest allies.

As tributes from his MPs rolled in, parliamentary colleagues spoke of their relief that he had stood down before a blood-letting occurred.

"He was facing death by 1000 cuts," said one senior MP.

- INDEPENDENT