As leadership election ballot papers drop onto party members doorsteps today, both “The Guardian” and “The Independent” have identified Ming Campbell as the best candidate to be the next leader of the Liberal Democrats. This follows an announcement yesterday that Ming Campbell also has the backing of 58% of the 134 parliamentarians who have so far declared support for any candidate.

The Independent says

Sir Menzies Campbell brings undoubted authority to the role. He has the overwhelming support of MPs and peers, and enjoys respect in the country. He is the one candidate who should be capable of uniting the party’s left and right wings, and he has stated his intention of professionalising the party.

Sir Menzies is the only candidate with the authority to lead the Liberal Democrats at this difficult time. With the two main parties rapidly converging on the middle ground, British politics urgently needs a strong – and truly liberal – voice

The Guardian also concluded that that Ming Campbell is the best man to lead the party

This will be an an exceptionally demanding period for the Liberal Democrats…Sir Menzies Campbell is the best man to lead them out of their confusions and into the searching challenges of the next election

Ming Campbell said:

I am taking nothing for granted, but I am convinced that I can offer the party the unity, professionalism and purpose that it needs.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The Independent: page 24
The Guardian: page 32

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 7th, 2006 at 1:39 pm and is filed under Media release. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.