Martin Turner, Chair of Liberal Democrat Christian Forum, said today: 

"Menzies Campbell has put the party first and made an honourable  decision to step down on his own terms. In politics it is always  tempting to stay on just a bit longer. Ming resisted that temptation  and took his decision the moment we had dealt with false-election fever. With no election imminent before 2009, he has given the party  the maximum space to select its new leader and to move forwards. In  doing so he has shown a decisiveness and dignity which leaders of  other parties could well learn from.

"Campbell faced an unwarranted and unceasing barrage of criticism  from the press about his age. But there are many in politics far  younger than he who display less courage, less incisiveness, and less  wisdom. With all the worlds attention focused on foreign affairs, he  led our opposition to the chaos in Iraq which followed an ill-conceived and misguided war. He was the man of the moment. Jibes  about his age will be quickly forgotten. His leadership will not be."

Every party member at the time of close of nominations will be eligible to vote for the new leader - if you want to sign up go to https://www.libdems.org.uk/support/join.html?ref=home