Norman Lamb rules himself out of Lib Dem leadership contest
3 min read
Norman Lamb has announced he will not run to succeed Tim Farron as leader of the Liberal Democrats.
The former Health minister, who lost to Mr Farron at the 2015 leadership contest, ruled himself out of a fresh bid for the top job after a “gruelling” election period.
Explaining his decision, Mr Lamb took aim at the Lib Dem’s position on Brexit at the election, which he said had been viewed as “toxic” by some in his constituency of North Norfolk.
Writing in the Guardian, Mr Lamb said: "Liberal Democrats are faced with electing a new leader after Tim Farron’s resignation last week. I have come to the conclusion that I will not be putting myself forward as a candidate for that vacancy."
He added: "I have just fought a gruelling campaign to win my North Norfolk seat. Attempting to win a seat for the Liberal Democrats in an area that voted quite heavily to leave the EU was bound to be a challenge.
"I found myself sympathising with those who felt that the party was not listening to them and was treating them with disdain."
He also defended his decision to defy his party by abstaining on the vote to trigger Article 50.
"I have been accused of supporting a 'hard Brexit' - the very last thing I want - while a Lib Dem source told the Evening Standard this week that the abstention 'looks like he can't make a tough call'. It is actually quite tough to go against your party, and I did it on a matter of principle."
And he urged his colleagues to listen to voters' concerns about the European Union.
“We need to understand why so many people get frustrated with remote power – something that Liberals should understand. The EU is too often dysfunctional and sclerotic," he said.
"Yet progressive internationalists have been reluctant to admit this. While we have always recognised the need for reform of the EU, the Liberal Democrats have been perceived as being too tolerant of its failings."
The Lib Dems went into June's election calling for a second EU referendum on the terms of Britain's new relationship with Brussels.
The leadership contest was triggered after Mr Farron’s surprise post-election resignation, in which he said he could not reconcile his Christian beliefs with leading the party.
He had come under repeated scrutiny during the general election campaign over his views on abortion and homosexuality.
Sir Vince Cable is far the only MP to put their hat in the ring to succeed Mr Farron.
He faces a possible challenge for the post from fellow former coalition minister Sir Ed Davey who has said he will make an announcement at the end of the week.
Jo Swinson, who confirmed this week she was not running to succeed Mr Farron, was yesterday appointed deputy Lib Dem leader.
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