The Liberal Democrats need a leadership contest, not a coronation
Nick Clegg has done the right thing in resigning promptly as party leader – and by following it immediately with heartfelt thanks to the hard work so many have put in for the party over the last few years.
There may not be many Liberal Democrat MPs now, but there is more than one plausible leadership contender, and we should have more than one. Because the lesson from other parties in the past applies now to the Liberal Democrats: when you have big issues to settle, you need a properly contested leadership election, not a coronation. A contest triggers debate and a chance of collectively learning the lessons. A coronation compresses that all into an immediate question of for or against the new leader, limiting thought and curtailing debate.
A contest is what the party needs.
A few other election thoughts
Surprised at how little sign of a Boris effect there is in his result. A solid win but no sign of his name attracting lots of extra votes
— Mark Pack (@markpack) May 8, 2015
Rarely mentioned part of shock election results: number of staff on modest pay who suddenly lose their jobs.
— Mark Pack (@markpack) May 8, 2015
Historical footnote about SNP's 20 yr old MP. Although age limit ws set at 21 in 1695, MPs often elected when younger (13 times 1802-31)
— Mark Pack (@markpack) May 8, 2015
“Snatching Defeat From the Jaws of Victory” Survation http://t.co/hEjQvvw9Iw < Note how naming candidates *improved* polling accuracy
— Mark Pack (@markpack) May 8, 2015
A footnote to that list tweet – constituency polls are a different beast but suggests getting them right isn't about not naming candidates
— Mark Pack (@markpack) May 8, 2015
It has to be said Nick Clegg fought a very clean, decent and cheerful campaign and his staff are really the nicest people in Westminster
— Matthew Holehouse (@mattholehouse) May 8, 2015
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