Why I am Backing Sir Menzies Campbell.

4.58.20pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 23rd Jan 2006

Following the resignation of Charles Kennedy, the Liberal Democrats need an effective leader who can forge internal unity and command respect amongst the voters.

With the Conservatives having opted for a youthful, inexperienced leader who is charming but vapid and insubstantial, the Liberal Democrats need a different kind of leader emphasising experience, credibility, gravitas and competence with clear, consistent values and principles. Ming provides those qualities in abundance.

I have worked closely with him over the last few years and he is undoubtedly a class act with good judgement, vast experience, eloquence and wit.

Charles Kennedy deserves credit for the strategic calculation of opposing the Iraq War. Ming Campbell provided the daily commentary, the questioning of ministers and the media presence buttressing a principled moral position with sophisticated legal and political arguments.

Leadership is an elusive quality which few possess. It involves inspiring staff and colleagues and respect amongst opponents; professional management; firmness; and a willingness to take tough decisions. Ming Campbell has those qualities and could provide the leadership which the party badly needs in the current competitive environment.

http://www.campbellcampaign.org/