Lib Dems’ Swinson rules herself out of race

THE favourite in the race to replace Tim Farron as the Liberal Democrat leader has ruled herself out, leaving the path open for Sir Vince Cable.

Jo Swinson, the former business minister, said that while most men in her position would “run for leader like a shot”, it did not mean it was the right thing to do.

The East Dunbartonshire MP said that she had often observed men “going for the promotion when they shouldn’t”. She vowed to run for the deputy leadership instead, saying it was “the right role for me now”.

The party is facing its second hunt for a new leader in two years following Mr Farron’s resignation over conflict between his faith and political career.

Senior party figures are touting Sir Vince, the former business secretary, as a successor. Mr Cable, 74, former health minister Norman Lamb, 59, and former energy secretary Sir Ed Davey, 51, have all been floated but it is Ms Swinson, 37, who is seen by some within the party as “heir apparent”.

A senior party source suggested to The Daily Telegraph that Sir Vince, who secured a return to the House of Commons by winning back his Twickenham seat on June 8, would be ill-suited to re-energising the party, saying: “I don’t think you go from the dad to the grandad.”

Lib Dem sources said last week the only way for Sir Vince to secure the top job would be if Ms Swinson agreed to serve as his deputy and he guaranteed a time to step aside.

In a statement, Ms Swinson said: “I have been overwhelmed by so many lovely messages encouraging me to stand for leader. Being the leader of a political party is a unique job.

“Most blokes in my shoes would run for leader like a shot. It’s true that my many years of encouraging women to have the confidence to go for that exciting new role have taught me that women often don’t go for things when they should.

“But just as often I have observed men going for the promotion when they shouldn’t. Just because a man would do it, doesn’t make it the right thing to do.”