Fallout

A few days ago I received a request from the Party to respond to an online questionnaire about the whole 'expenses' row, and thoughts on the replacement for Speaker Martin. They will be the subject of a post a little later, however I've just seen an announcement from Cowley Street.

Lord Chris Rennard is resigning as Chief Executive of the Liberal Democrats 'at the end of the Summer'.

Whether it was coincidence or not that the questionnaire included one about the tenability of his position I am very sorry to see him leave. I recall attending his anniversary dinner in Brighton some years back during conference and a more knowledgeable bloke you couldn't hope to meet.

Party President

I received my ballot paper for the next party President this morning and was rather surprised to find that there is a third candidate! I've known that Ros Scott was standing for more than a year, and likewise Lembit Opik — whom I voted for last time the position was up for election — is there again, but someone I've never heard of before has also entered the fray. Given that the position is there to run the main internal committee and be the 'face' of the party then only the first two can be considered serious candidates. I've know Lembit for ages, and likewise Ros, so I am torn between them as to which I want to see elected. Wonder if a jobshare could be possible …