"Ming led the party with distinction and integrity" - Farron

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 15th Oct 2007

Following the news this evening that Sir Menzies Campbell has resigned as leader of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron, PPS to Sir Menzies has issued the following statement:

"This is a decision Ming, and Ming alone has taken. He took over in extremely difficult circumstances and he's done an outstanding job in stabilising the party, a fact borne out by election results in Dunfermline, Bromley and of course here in Westmorland and Lonsdale. It has been a privilege to serve as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Sir Ming and he leaves his post with a proud record and with the party in a state of unity and good health. He has led the largest ever parliamentary party with distinction and integrity and deserves enormous credit for that."