farewell Ming
I was on my way to meet my local farmers when I heard the news Ming had resigned. In fact, I was told by Andrew Forsyth, the secretary of my local NFU. Which was lucky, because the Oxford Mail was on the phone a minute later for a quote. I told them my genuine view - Ming is an amazingly distinguished man who has excelled in athletics, the law and politics. But he should never have led the Lib Dems.
Now it is between Clegg and Huhne - and as is well known I like Clegg a great deal. Susan Kramer has also decided to run - to make sure a woman is on the ballot.
Will Clegg’s leadership revive the Lib Dems? May be. But two causes for concern. First, they are being squeezed not just through poor leadership but because British politics is again a two horse race. Secondly, there is huge personal animosity among Lib Dem MPs, based on the way Ming was treated. It will take time to heal.