Charles Kennedy, leader of Britain's third-biggest party, has resigned after support from his colleagues evaporated when he admitted he had had treatment for alcohol abuse. The Liberal Democrats, the only major party in Britain to oppose the Iraq war, will now face a leadership contest. Mr Kennedy, 46, decided to step down after days of turmoil following his surprise admission at a news conference on Thursday. He had always previously denied having a drink problem. "I am standing down as leader," he told reporters at Liberal Democrat headquarters on Saturday. "When nominations open (for the leadership) I shall not be putting my name forward."
He said he had received much support from rank and file members but recognised that grass roots support alone was not enough. "It has become clear that such support is not reflected strongly enough across the parliamentary party," he added. Mr Kennedy had provoked a near mutiny amongst Liberal Democrat Members of Parliament when he refused to resign after publicly admitting his alcoholism. |