Rowen pays tribute to "dignified" former Lib Dem Leader

Rochdale Liberal Democrat MP, Paul Rowen

Rochdale Liberal Democrat MP, Paul Rowen, has praised former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy and is now calling for a time of reflection.  Paul said, "The way that Charles has handled himself in a dignified manner over the last few difficult weeks of his time as leader speaks volumes for the man.  I am sorry that it had to come to this and there will be a lot of soul-searching in the Parliamentary Party."
 
Paul continued, "The legacy of Charles Kennedy will be a record number of MPs, a huge number of Councillors and massive national support.  I will never forget how he stood up to the Prime Minister on Iraq - I am very grateful to Charles and wish him well for the future.  He was a hugely popular figure here in Rochdale, where he visited on a number of occasions.  He was especially popular amongst pensioners. He held a 90 minute question and answer session only in March last year.  We could have filled the room 10 times over - whoever takes over will have a hard act to follow.  I think there should be a period of reflection and we must now unite before probably the most crucial set of local elections ever!"
 
Rochdale Lib Dem Leader, Councillor Alan Taylor, said, "Charles Kennedy was the most approachable Leader that the party has ever had, I think the general public responded to that and this was evident in Rochdale on his visits.  I hope that he still plays a major role in politics in the near future."
 
Former Rochdale MP Sir Cyril Smith MBE said, "I am extremely sad that Charles was forced into resignation and some of colleagues should be ashamed of the coup and plot of which they have been involved.  They have not done the party any good, they may have satisfied their own ego but they should be ashamed of what they have done and more particularly of how they have done it.  Charles Kennedy has been a first class leader and knows that he has had my full support during this difficult time.  My correspondence between him and the Acting Leader, Sir Menzies Campbell MP, will remain confidential."