An email drops into The Voice inbox alerting us to the news that Baroness Ros Scott’s campaign for Lib Dem Party President will officially be launched on 1st September:
The I’m4Ros website goes live on 1st September – Ros is kicking off the opening of nominations with a campaigning trip to Kingston.
Two other names have been mentioned in connection with the post of President – from which Simon Hughes is soon to step down after serving the maximum four years – for which any party member is eligible to stand: Lembit Öpik MP and Huddersfield councillor John Smithson. No news has yet reached The Voice on when, or whether, either will launch their campaigns. We promise to keep you even-handedly posted.
Meanwhile, the future of the Lib Dem presidency will be a subject under scrutiny in the September Lib Dem Voice members’ survey – more news on this soon…
3 Comments
Ros or Lembit? Bit like a choice of having your wisdom teeth pulled out by tying a piece of string to a door and slamming it or hacking it out with your toothbrush…
We should elect a president who is not already an MP. There is enough talent in the party to spread the jobs around. Lembit will get publicity for the party anyway, whereas Ros would be an extra name for Question Time and similar PR opportunities. Also probably have more time for the party, not having a constituency to look after. (Interest to declare; I have already signed up for Ros).
I understand that John Smithson is not standing.
As far as Lembit is concerned, I know he is a serious politician, but he doesn’t seem to care about his popular perception in the media which believes otherwise.
Ros Scott, on the other hand, I have no problem supporting.