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Campbell 'put party needs first' Campbell 'put party needs first'
(about 12 hours later)
Sir Menzies Campbell put the needs of the Liberal Democrats first by resigning, according to the party's Scottish leader.Sir Menzies Campbell put the needs of the Liberal Democrats first by resigning, according to the party's Scottish leader.
The North East Fife MP stood down with immediate effect, saying leadership speculation was getting in the way of the party's progress.The North East Fife MP stood down with immediate effect, saying leadership speculation was getting in the way of the party's progress.
Scottish Lib Dem leader Nicol Stephen said Sir Menzies had strengthened the party during his time in charge.Scottish Lib Dem leader Nicol Stephen said Sir Menzies had strengthened the party during his time in charge.
First Minister Alex Salmond also paid tribute to the 66-year-old.First Minister Alex Salmond also paid tribute to the 66-year-old.
The Liberal Democrats' Scottish leader said his colleague had earned the respect of parliamentarians across all the parties.The Liberal Democrats' Scottish leader said his colleague had earned the respect of parliamentarians across all the parties.
"It is typical of Menzies Campbell to put the interests of the party first in this way," said Mr Stephen."It is typical of Menzies Campbell to put the interests of the party first in this way," said Mr Stephen.
Questions about leadership are getting in the way of further progress by the party Sir Menzies CampbellQuestions about leadership are getting in the way of further progress by the party Sir Menzies Campbell
"Since he took over as leader he has strengthened the party, with a clear focus on poverty, civil liberties and the environment."Since he took over as leader he has strengthened the party, with a clear focus on poverty, civil liberties and the environment.
"He has created a stronger, more professional organisation, with outstanding by-election results over the last few months.""He has created a stronger, more professional organisation, with outstanding by-election results over the last few months."
North East Fife MSP Iain Smith paid tribute to his former leader's "dignity and honesty".North East Fife MSP Iain Smith paid tribute to his former leader's "dignity and honesty".
"I think his announcement has come as a shock to everyone, particularly since he had such a successful conference," he said."I think his announcement has come as a shock to everyone, particularly since he had such a successful conference," he said.
"Clearly there are some people who think he is too old, but I think politics is not a young people's game."Clearly there are some people who think he is too old, but I think politics is not a young people's game.
"Sir Menzies certainly had the vigour and the experience to be leader, but not the youth - but that shouldn't have counted against him.""Sir Menzies certainly had the vigour and the experience to be leader, but not the youth - but that shouldn't have counted against him."
'Considerable disquiet''Considerable disquiet'
The announcement was made on Monday evening by senior Lib Dems Vincent Cable and Simon Hughes.The announcement was made on Monday evening by senior Lib Dems Vincent Cable and Simon Hughes.
Sir Menzies was not present when the announcement was made.Sir Menzies was not present when the announcement was made.
In his resignation letter, he said: "It has become clear that following the prime minister's decision not to hold an election, questions about leadership are getting in the way of further progress by the party."In his resignation letter, he said: "It has become clear that following the prime minister's decision not to hold an election, questions about leadership are getting in the way of further progress by the party."
HAVE YOUR SAY I am saddened that such a steady and trustworthy person was unpopular solely because of his age Will Stobart Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAY I am saddened that such a steady and trustworthy person was unpopular solely because of his age Will Stobart Send us your comments
Mr Salmond, the SNP leader, said: "There has obviously been considerable disquiet in his party.Mr Salmond, the SNP leader, said: "There has obviously been considerable disquiet in his party.
"But rather than just focus on Menzies Campbell's relatively troubled period of leadership, we should also recognise his substantial contribution as an MP and foreign affairs spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats."But rather than just focus on Menzies Campbell's relatively troubled period of leadership, we should also recognise his substantial contribution as an MP and foreign affairs spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats.
"His contributions carried gravitas and substance, which often eluded other MPs on most of the major foreign policy issues, including Iraq."His contributions carried gravitas and substance, which often eluded other MPs on most of the major foreign policy issues, including Iraq.
"In that regard, the Lib Dems may find that wanting to replace Ming is one thing, but replacing him quite another.""In that regard, the Lib Dems may find that wanting to replace Ming is one thing, but replacing him quite another."
Prime Minister Gordon Brown, a fellow Fife MP, paid tribute to Sir Menzies as a "man of great stature and integrity who has served his party and country with distinction".Prime Minister Gordon Brown, a fellow Fife MP, paid tribute to Sir Menzies as a "man of great stature and integrity who has served his party and country with distinction".