James Graham’s resignation from the Liberal Democrats on Sunday created a vacancy on the Liberal Democrats’ Federal Executive committee.
The Electoral Commission has now recounted the votes from the original internal party election in 2010 and named Erlend Watson as the winner. Party President Tim Farron phoned Erlend this morning to formally welcome him back to FE.
Erlend told the Voice:
I regard myself as a critical friend of the party leadership, we agree on our destination although the precise route to get there is up for discussion.
I was previously on the FE from 2006-2010 including the post General Election coalition negotiations. At the time I commented that I never foresaw the day when I would be a significant voice in deciding who the government of the country would be.
Just before the final vote I was asked from on high how I would be voting. I replied that I had trouble believing that the Tories could offer us enough for me to vote yes but also felt that the leader would not be asking us to do so unless they had. When I read the agreement I decided they had. I voted yes and remain of the belief that it was the right decision despite the occasional (!) difficulties since.
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6 Comments
The Electoral Commission counted the vote that sounds rather grand?
Really pleased to see Erlend back on the FE there are probably few other people that talk to as wide a spectrum of different people in the party.
It is a real shame to see James go though.
I understand that the rerun of the count was by the (approximately) Deputy Assistant Returning Officer David Allworthy. Much less likely to make mistakes than the Electoral Commission.
So, you’ve thanked the returning officer and staff, Erlend. Now what about the police? 🙂
You need to spread the thanks. Friends, family, teachers, Jo Grimmond and an inspirational musician or two for starters.
Unlike many ‘quotes’, I can almost hear Erlend saying those words! Well done Erlend.
The quote is real. Helen asked me for a few words so I sent them to her and she pasted them. I think I might have problems with real journos rewriting my quotes (even without deliberate twisting) but not here.