Campbell goes on the offensive
Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell has launched an attack on his critics today.
Sir Menzies was elected leader of the party nine months ago, and has said the party has made progress since he took charge.
In a rebuke to critics, the North East Fife MP said anyone who disagreed with his position and polices should come and speak to him rather than launch anonymous attacks.
“I don’t pay much attention to people who are unnamed,” Sir Menzies told Today.
“If there is a Liberal Democrat MP who thinks that then he ought to come and see me.
“My door is open and I shall happily deal with him and anyone else who is of that opinion.”
Sir Menzies has come under fire in recent weeks following criticism of his leadership by an unnamed Lib Dem MP coming on the back of defections from his party to the Conservatives.
Additionally, in December the Lib Dems recorded their lowest poll rating since the summer, dropping four points to 18 per cent of the vote, as the Conservatives climbed to a 14-year high (full story).
Sir Menzies dismissed the recent defections to the Tories, pointing out that MPs crossed the floor “all the time” from every party.
“I wish people didn’t defect but the fact of the matter is I’m not going to allow the defection of three disappointed candidates to stand in the way of the progress the party is making, and the sense of self confidence we have,” he said.
And the Lib Dem leader was also bullish about his future at the head of the party.
“I was elected by the party some nine months ago. In that period I have restored the stability which the party required and we’re making progress,” he said.
Sir Menzies added: “I made it perfectly clear I will lead the party through this parliament, through the next general election and beyond, and no-one should be in any doubt about that.
“I’m not setting any time limits for myself and nor should anyone else.”
