Charles Kennedy Resignation

6.00.00pm GMT Sat 7th Jan 2006

Andrew Simpson, who stood as Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Northampton North in the May 2005 General Election, has paid tribute to Charles Kennedy who has today stood down as Lib Dem Leader.

"Charles' Leadership has seen the party gain its most MP's in 80 years - 62 elected in May last year. He also secured 1 million more votes in the General election and firmly has put three party politics on the map."

Commenting on BBC Radio Northampton about Charles position Andrew said " I think his position as Leader had become untenable, he clearly took the brave step to make clear his battle with alcoholism, but he needed to command majority support among his parliamentary colleagues which was not there. He has done the right thing in standing down but I hope he will return to the front bench at some point in the future"

The Lib Dems will now conduct an all member ballot for the election of a new leader.