Chris Davies has pledged his support for Sir Menzies Campbell

Date published: 11 January 2006

Rochdale Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies has pledged his support for Sir Menzies Campbell to lead the Liberal Democrats.
 
He said:  "I will be backing Ming Campbell for the leadership of the Liberal Democrats.  I have worked with Ming both in the House of Commons and while he has been the party's Foreign Affairs spokesman and I the Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament.

"He is a formidable operator, hugely intelligent and authoritative, but also something of a radical in a pin-striped suit as everyone will know who has heard him speak out against injustice and in support of human rights and liberty.

"Although I might have been tempted to look to the new generation of talented younger MPs the Liberal Democrats now possess, I think Ming has the character and strength to take the party forward.

"At 64 he is 20 years younger than when William Gladstone was last Liberal Prime Minister so time is still on his side!"

Mr Davies said he looked forward to a lively leadership contest in which different views could be debated about the future direction of the party.