The Times backs “modern Ming”

The Times has now joined “The Guardian” and “The Independent” in backing Ming Campbell in the Liberal Democrat leadership race.

On Saturday (Feb 11th) The Times stated:

In their different ways, both Simon Hughes emphasising his undoubted political passion, and Chris Huhne, placing the weight on his obvious novelty are offering the party more of the same

… what it (Lib Dem party) needs is not passion or novelty but change…….perhaps paradoxically it is the oldest contender in this competition who is most committed to the modernisation of his party

It is thought that Sir Menzies Campbell will benefit from this by-election upset in his own backyard. If he does not, the longer-term prospects of his party as well as Labour might be no better than the deceased royalty of Scotland.

On the same day – and in the same newspaper a letter from thirteen members of the current Shadow Cabinet urged all Party Members to support Ming Campbell. The letter signed by front bench spokesmen including Vince Cable, Ed Davey, Norman Lamb, Nick Clegg and David Laws said

…We are all supporters of Ming Campbell’s leadership bid. Having worked closely with him, we believe he possesses the experience, judgement and credibility to preside over significant new advances in our party’s fortunes. He possesses the undoubted authority to expose the superficial charms of David Cameron and provide principled liberal opposition to an increasingly illiberal, centralising New Labour government. We urge the party to give him its wholehearted backing

This follows an open letter from Paddy Ashdown on Thursday 9th also urging Party Members to vote for Sir Ming Campbell.

Ming Campbell enjoys 58% support from all parliamentarians declaring support.

ENDS