Lib Dems fear a ‘lame-duck’ Cable as he triggers succession battle
SIR VINCE CABLE is considering standing down as Lib Dem leader before the next general election and risks infuriating his parliamentary colleagues by moving to allow a non-mp to be his successor.
Sir Vince will announce next month that he wants to change the party’s rules to widen its appeal and boost membership by opening up the leadership race to all members. Senior figures in the party fear the move will lead to increased speculation over Sir Vince’s position with many fearing he will become a “lame duck” leader.
The Daily Telegraph understands that the former business secretary, 75, will not quit next year because of Brexit and the potential for a snap general election.
But he is believed to be considering stepping down before the next scheduled general election in 2022. His deputy, Jo Swinson, only agreed not to stand against him in the race to take over from Tim Farron if he stood down midway through this Parliament.
A senior Lib Dem source said of the prospect of Sir Vince still being in post in 2022: “Who knows?”
Sir Vince will outline his plans to change the leadership rules in an announcement on Sept 7.
But the move, which would have to be agreed by Lib Dem members, is expected to spark anger among some of the party’s 12 MPS. There are also concerns about the practicalities of having a non-mp as leader.
One Lib Dem source condemned the proposed changes and said setting out new leadership rules would make Sir Vince a “lame duck”, even if he does not confirm his intention to stand down. The source said: “A lot of MPS have told Vince it is a stupid idea. There aren’t many votes in constitutional changes.
“The practicalities of having a nonmp as leader: how would they physically get into parliament? Would you have to escort them? The other issue is the leader does not get paid.”
Another party source said the move would inevitably lead to increased speculation over Sir Vince’s position which would be “extremely unhelpful” as the party looks to build momentum.
Allies of Sir Vince said the leader will not “talk of any timeline” for his departure in next month’s announcement.
A senior Lib Dem source said: “You are not going to see Vince Cable standing down next year. We have got Brexit and a possible snap general election in which we could do quite well.
“But, by 2022, who knows?”