Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has confessed to being treated for alcoholism and has called a leadership election. In a personal statement, he said: "Over the past 18 months, I have been coming to terms with and seeking to cope with a drink problem. Let me be clear, I consider myself to be capable and in good health."He made it clear he wanted to continue leading the party but said it was time to back him or sack him. Mr Kennedy, 46, added that he had not drunk alcohol for two months and believed "this issue is resolved". The MP said he had chosen not to acknowledge his drink problem publicly before because "I wanted to overcome it privately. So, in a sense, this announcement today comes as something of a personal relief."
The embattled MP has been fending off critics for months, prompting doubts about his effectiveness in the top job. He rejected repeated calls for a vote of confidence in his leadership saying it would be a distraction. Sky's Political Editor Adam Boulton said: "Kennedy has hit the panic button. Whatever the outcome of this election, the people who will be celebrating tonight are the Conservatives."