Vince Cable to quit as Lib Dem leader ‘after Brexit’

SIR Vince Cable will quit as Liberal Democrat leader after Brexit, he said yesterday.

The 75-year-old also revealed plans to allow a non-MP to become leader, chosen by nonmembers who can sign up as ‘supporters’ for free.

Without naming a departure date, he insisted he did not plan to emulate William Gladstone – or Robert Mugabe – both of whom served into their 80s.

‘Reports I have read of my imminent departure are very wide of the mark,’ he said. ‘Now is not the time for an internal election, there is serious work for me and the party to do.

‘Once Brexit is resolved or stopped, that will be the time to conduct a leadership election under new rules.’

Speaking at the Liberal Club in London, he said the next leader would be chosen by party supporters and would lead a movement, rather than a party.

The former business secretary said ‘liberal-minded’ voters will be able to sign up for free.

Sir Vince lost his Twickenham seat in 2015 and regained it last year. He took over as leader of the party, which has just 12 MPs, from Tim Farron last year.