Sarah Teather MP Pays Tribute To Sir Menzies "Ming" Campbell

11.42.12am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th Oct 2007

Brent's Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather has paid tribute to former party leader Sir Menzies Campbell.

Ming Campbell made a surprise decision to stand down on Monday, blaming the media's obsession with his age. Members will now vote on a new leader, to be announced at the end of December.

During his time as leader, Ming Campbell was a strong supporter of Liberal Democrats in Brent. He visited the borough during last year's local elections, which saw the Lib Dems gain 16 new Councillors, and recently visited Central Middlesex Hospital, in Stonebridge.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"Ming Campbell has led the party with courage, conviction and dignity. He has supported our campaign to stop Government cuts to Brent health services, and was the only party leader to speak out against Labour's illegal war in Iraq.

"Liberal Democrats in Brent have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and I would like to thank Ming for all he has done for the party. We are in great form and ready for an election as soon as Gordon Brown decides to call one."