Lamb rules out Lib Dem leadership bid over party’s ‘toxic’ Brexit stance
Former health minister Norman Lamb has ruled out a challenge for the leadership of the Liberal Democrats, warning the party’s position on Brexit had become “toxic” for many voters.
Mr Lamb, who ran unsuccessfully against Tim Farron for leader in 2015, said he would not be putting himself forward as a candidate to succeed Mr Farron.
In an online newspaper argument, he expressed sympathy for voters in his North Norfolk constituency, who voted heavily for Leave in last year’s referendum and who felt that the party was ignoring their concerns.
He wrote: “Not only was the party’s position on Brexit toxic to many erstwhile Liberal Democrat voters in North Nor- folk, but I found myself sympathising with those who felt that the party was not listening to them and was treating them with some disdain.”
He also disclosed that he had faced accusations of “betrayal” after he abstained in the Commons vote on triggering Article 50, rather than follow the party line and vote against it.
“It is actually quite tough to go against your party, and I did it on a matter of principle,” he said.
Former business secretary Sir Vince Cable, who regained his seat this month, is the only MP to declare himself a candidate so far following Mr Farron’s announcement last week that he was resigning.