Sir Vince Cable has announced he will step down as the Liberal Democrat leader after May’s English local elections.
The former business secretary is planning to remain as an MP and write books. It follows internal criticism for his lacklustre performance over Brexit, including a failure to turn up to a key vote last July.
Sir Vince said he wanted to pave the way for a “new generation”.
He became party leader without a contest after Tim Farron’s resignation in 2017, but the party has struggled to make an impact in the polls since.
Cable leaves the party during an apparent realignment of UK politics, particularly in the centre ground.
The formation of the Independent Group, involving both Conservative and Labour supporters of a second referendum, has led to speculation that they could form a coalition or pact with the Lib Dems.
Via The Guardian
