How long can Ming hang on?
James Forsyth 8:44am
When it looked like there was going to be an autumn election, Ming Campbell’s position was safe for the simple reason that there wasn’t time to replace him. But now with no election likely until 2009, the Lib Dems have time to pick a new leadership team and bed them in before the next election.
The Lib Dem’s poll ratings are barely in double figures and it is hard to imagine that they would do any worse with a new leader and the murmurings against Ming are starting to become more public. But this quote that a senior Lib Dem frontbencher gave to Andrew Pierce is particularly brutal: "Time is up. We have had a life-threatening experience. The whole dynamic changes, now that there is no election for 18 months. We will get him. There is no support for him in the grassroots."
The bookies make Ming 3-1 to be gone by the end of the year. Yet, I suspect that Ming will cling on as the Lib Dems will be loath to get rid of two leaders in the same parliament.
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Toby Belch
October 12th, 2007 9:15am Report this commentBut who wouldreplace him? Huhne is too divisive and Clegg is over rated. Ed Davey might be worth a bet, but he won't stand against his boss.
Lee Jakeman
October 12th, 2007 11:11am Report this commentDon't knock it. Ming is the best Lib Dem leader the Tories have ever had.
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