Ming Campbell resigns as Party Leader

11.06.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 16th Oct 2007

Tributes have been paid to Ming Campbell, who has resigned as Liberal Democrat leader.

Local Liberal Democrats in Birmingham have joined others in paying tribute to Ming Campbell, who last night resigned as Liberal Democrat leader. His principled opposition to the war in Iraq and his commitment to the environment are particularly valued.

Other leading party figures have also paid tribute to Ming, in particular to the way he strengthened the party during his 19 months as leader, and expressed gratitude to him for the job he has done for the party. A leadership election has been triggered which will culminate in a new leader being announced on Monday December 17th. In the meantime deputy leader Vince Cable will be acting leader.

Other Reaction to Ming's resignation:

Simon Hughes (Party President): "Over the past two years, Ming has given stability and purpose to our Party. He has hugely professionalised the working of our Party and led its very successful preparations for the next general election. Ming has made this decision - as all his political decisions - in the interest of his Party and Liberal Democracy throughout Britain. Every Liberal Democrat owes Ming a huge debt of gratitude."

Vince Cable (Acting Leader): "During his time as Leader, Ming has earned the respect, affection and gratitude of the Party. This was reflected in the warmth with which his speech was received by the Party conference three weeks ago. The key message of that speech was that the Liberal Democrats are the only Party with the distinctive, positive vision of a fairer and greener Britain. Throughout his political life Ming has campaigned for liberal values and social justice and we will ensure that we build on that legacy."

Paddy Ashdown (Former Leader): "Ming Campbell is a man of honesty, decency and integrity. He has also proven over the years to be a man of remarkable political judgment. That he has felt the need to resign this evening tells us more about the nature of modern politics than it does about Ming Campbell himself."

Charles Kennedy (Former Leader): "I am sorry that things have ended up for Menzies in this way, but know the gratitude felt towards him within the Party. I don't doubt he has a valuable ongoing contribution to make to the Liberal Democrats into the future."

Gordon Brown (Prime Minister): "Sir Menzies Campbell is a man of great stature and integrity who has served his party and country with distinction. His contribution on foreign policy and international affairs is valued throughout the world. I'm sure he will continue to make a major contribution to public life."