Sir Ming resigns as Lib Dem leader

Sir Ming resigned yesterday evening amid recriminations over whether he was forced out by senior colleagues.

The announcement of his departure occurred in a hurriedly arranged media call by deputy of the party, Dr Vince Cable, and president Simon Hughes.Both men declined to answer questions from journalists, which included: "Did you wield the dagger?"

In a statement Simon Hughes MP, president of the Lib Dems, said:

"Over the past two years, Ming has given stability and purpose to our Party. He has hugely professionalised the working of our Party and led its very successful preparations for the next general election.

"Ming has made this decision - as all his political decisions - in the interest of his Party and Liberal Democracy throughout Britain. Every Liberal Democrat owes Ming a huge debt of gratitude.

He went on to say that Vince Cable would take over as party leader until a new leader is elected.