Lembit resigns as Welsh Lib Dem Leader

It was always expected that the Welsh Liberal Democrat Conference in Aberystwyth would be about leadership. Most expected the discussion to be about Mike German’s leadership in the Welsh Assembly, but instead, Lembit Opik has today unexpectedly announced his own resignation as Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

His leader’s speech this afternoon was very personal and honest. He was open about his belief that the Liberal Democrats got it wrong in not going in to coalition with Labour in the Assembly, and was also very frank about his views on terrorism, drugs, negative campaigning and gave suggestions on where the party should go in the future. He also made a swipe at some of the media coverage of his relationship with Gabriela Irimia, which has clearly been very hurtful.

After six years as the Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader, he has decided to stand down to concentrate on his new role in the party’s Shadow Cabinet, because he wants to run for Party President and because he believes there should be one leader of the party who sits in the Welsh Assembly.

It wasn’t a brilliant speech in the classic Lembit Opik style, but instead was more of a frank and open dialogue with the Welsh party. In that sense, though it was very effective and will hopefully open a good and constructive discussion with the party about where it goes now. That is something that is desperately needed.

UPDATE: I had hoped I could be the first person to blog this news as I was there for his speech, but it looks as though James Graham got there first!

RELATED POSTS:

What the Welsh Lib Dems are for – 13th October 2007

Lembit Opik – 16th March 2007