Lynne 'not ready' to run for leader

nlnews@archant.co.uk
17 October 2007

Lynne Featherstone

LYNNE Featherstone MP said she won't be entering the leadership contest for the Liberal Democrats - but didn't rule it out "in a few years' time".

The contest is now on to find a replacement for Sir Menzies Campbell following his sudden departure this week, but Ms Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, said she wouldn't be throwing her hat into the ring just yet.

Asked if she would like to be leader, Ms Featherstone (pictured left) said: "No, not at this point in time."

She added: "You never know what will happen in a few years' time but I am perfectly happy to look after Hornsey and Wood Green, which is a very busy constituency and where I will learn my trade."

Ms Featherstone became MP in Hornsey and Wood Green in 2005, after overthrowing Barbara Roche, who had held the seat for Labour since 1991.

She said her first reaction was "complete shock" to the news of Sir Menzies's exit. She said: "I didn't see it coming at all. Ming has done a very noble thing. It's good for the party in the sense it can now sort itself out. There have been some difficult times.

"From the day he took over the party he has come under all sorts of slings and arrows about his authority, about his age, and he has never been able to staunch that tide."

With the Liberal Democrats in turmoil, does Ms Featherstone feel she is still with the right party?

She said: "I am in my heart and soul a Liberal Democrat. In politics it makes it a much easier life if you pick a party which represents what you believe in, rather than trying to squeeze into someone else's ideal.

"For me I will be a Liberal Democrat, through good times and bad times.