Bookies favourite Jo Swinson unexpectedly quits the race to be the next leader of the Liberal Democrats
Ex-minister Jo Swinson has instead put her name forward for Deputy Leader in a move that rocked the pro EU party
THE bookies favourite to be the next leader of the Lib Dems has unexpectedly quit the race to succeed ousted Tim Farron.
Ex-minister Jo Swinson instead put her name forward to Deputy Leader in a shock move that rocked the pro-EU party and punters alike.
The party is facing its second hunt for a new leader in two years following the dramatic resignation of Mr Farron after the party only made minimal gains at the Election.
The East Dunbartonshire MP said: “I have been overwhelmed by so many lovely messages from people I know, and from many members I have not yet met, encouraging me to stand for leader.
“I am touched and flattered that you look to me and I am determined to play a key role in our party’s leadership.”
But she insisted being Number 2 was “the right role for me now”.
She wrote last night: “Being the leader of a political party is a unique and all-encompassing job, even more than the roles of MP and minister that I have undertaken before.
“It should not be done simply to achieve status, to make a point, or to please others.
“Feminist that I am, I have of course wondered what a bloke in my position would do.
“It’s obvious. Most blokes in my shoes would run for leader like a shot.
But she added: “Just because a man would do it, doesn’t make it the right thing to do.”
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The race is now expected to be a fight between blokes Sir Edward Davey, Sir Vince Cable and Norman Lamb.
Mr Farron will quit at the end of July with a new leader chosen by the party members over the summer.