Menu
23/01/2006
Lib Dems battle on in wake of Oaten revelations
The Liberal Democrats are struggling to restore their reputation, in the wake of revelations over MP Mark Oaten's alleged affair with a male prostitute.
The 41-year-old Winchester MP stood down as the party's home affairs spokesperson at the weekend, following claims in the 'News of the World' that he had been regularly visiting a male prostitute.
Mr Oaten, who is married with two children, apologised for "errors of judgement" in his personal behaviour and appealed for privacy for himself and his family.
The newspaper article alleged that Mr Oaten met the man, who was 23 at the time, through an advert on a gay website in 2004. It was alleged that Mr Oaten had regularly visited the man over a period of six months and that, on one occasion, another male prostitute had joined them.
The Liberal Democrats have already had a turbulent year. Earlier in the month, leader Charles Kennedy resigned after admitting to having a drink problem, while last week, the party's leader in the House of Lords, Lord McNally, also admitted that he had been an alcoholic in the 1980s.
Last week, Mr Oaten dropped out of the party's leadership contest, leaving acting leader Sir Menzies Campbell, party president Simon Hughes and newly elected MP Chris Huhne in the running.
Alistair Carmichael, Mr Oaten's deputy, has temporarily taken over as the party's home affairs spokesperson.
Sir Menzies has stressed that the public can still trust the Liberal Democrats, as opinion polls show that the party has lost popularity in the wake of the revelations.
Speaking at the Eden Project in Cornwall as part of his leadership campaign, Sir Menzies said: "Look at the quality of the Liberal Democrat MPs in Cornwall, how they fight for their constituents.
"That commitment I want to see the party demonstrate throughout the UK."
The acting party leader also spoke of his "experience and maturity" and said that he wanted to "create a sense of unity and show a sense of professionalism".
(KMcA)
The 41-year-old Winchester MP stood down as the party's home affairs spokesperson at the weekend, following claims in the 'News of the World' that he had been regularly visiting a male prostitute.
Mr Oaten, who is married with two children, apologised for "errors of judgement" in his personal behaviour and appealed for privacy for himself and his family.
The newspaper article alleged that Mr Oaten met the man, who was 23 at the time, through an advert on a gay website in 2004. It was alleged that Mr Oaten had regularly visited the man over a period of six months and that, on one occasion, another male prostitute had joined them.
The Liberal Democrats have already had a turbulent year. Earlier in the month, leader Charles Kennedy resigned after admitting to having a drink problem, while last week, the party's leader in the House of Lords, Lord McNally, also admitted that he had been an alcoholic in the 1980s.
Last week, Mr Oaten dropped out of the party's leadership contest, leaving acting leader Sir Menzies Campbell, party president Simon Hughes and newly elected MP Chris Huhne in the running.
Alistair Carmichael, Mr Oaten's deputy, has temporarily taken over as the party's home affairs spokesperson.
Sir Menzies has stressed that the public can still trust the Liberal Democrats, as opinion polls show that the party has lost popularity in the wake of the revelations.
Speaking at the Eden Project in Cornwall as part of his leadership campaign, Sir Menzies said: "Look at the quality of the Liberal Democrat MPs in Cornwall, how they fight for their constituents.
"That commitment I want to see the party demonstrate throughout the UK."
The acting party leader also spoke of his "experience and maturity" and said that he wanted to "create a sense of unity and show a sense of professionalism".
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 January 2006
Oaten to run for Lib Dem leadership
Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten has announced that he will run for leadership of the party. Mr Oaten will challenge the party's deputy leader Sir Menzies Campbell in the leadership contest, which was announced after Charles Kennedy's resignation.
Oaten to run for Lib Dem leadership
Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten has announced that he will run for leadership of the party. Mr Oaten will challenge the party's deputy leader Sir Menzies Campbell in the leadership contest, which was announced after Charles Kennedy's resignation.
02 March 2006
Sir Menzies becomes new Lib Dem leader
Sir Menzies Campbell has won the Liberal Democrat leadership contest to become party leader. Sir Menzies, the party's foreign affairs spokesperson and the acting party leader, gained 58% of the final round vote. He beat Chris Huhne, the party's economic spokesperson, who came second, and party president Simon Hughes, who came third.
Sir Menzies becomes new Lib Dem leader
Sir Menzies Campbell has won the Liberal Democrat leadership contest to become party leader. Sir Menzies, the party's foreign affairs spokesperson and the acting party leader, gained 58% of the final round vote. He beat Chris Huhne, the party's economic spokesperson, who came second, and party president Simon Hughes, who came third.
25 January 2006
Lib Dems leadership nominations close
Nominations for the leadership of the Liberal Democrat party have closed. Three candidates will take part in the leadership contest - acting party leader Sir Menzies Campbell is seen as the favourite, followed by party president Simon Hughes and newly elected MP Chris Huhne, who is the party's economic spokesperson.
Lib Dems leadership nominations close
Nominations for the leadership of the Liberal Democrat party have closed. Three candidates will take part in the leadership contest - acting party leader Sir Menzies Campbell is seen as the favourite, followed by party president Simon Hughes and newly elected MP Chris Huhne, who is the party's economic spokesperson.
11 January 2012
Cameron Opposes Scotland's Call For Independence
Britain’s Prime Minister has urged Scotland to reject calls for independence if a referendum is held on the subject. David Cameron has said that he believes in the Union and that a break –up would be damaging to UK economy.
Cameron Opposes Scotland's Call For Independence
Britain’s Prime Minister has urged Scotland to reject calls for independence if a referendum is held on the subject. David Cameron has said that he believes in the Union and that a break –up would be damaging to UK economy.
19 April 2005
Lib Dems pledge to cut ‘hidden’ NHS waiting lists
The Liberal Democrats have pledged to cut the NHS’ ‘hidden’ waiting lists of people awaiting diagnosis. Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy promised to provide £350 million to help cut waiting times for diagnosis for around 500,000 people who, he said, are “languishing” on these “hidden” waiting lists.
Lib Dems pledge to cut ‘hidden’ NHS waiting lists
The Liberal Democrats have pledged to cut the NHS’ ‘hidden’ waiting lists of people awaiting diagnosis. Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy promised to provide £350 million to help cut waiting times for diagnosis for around 500,000 people who, he said, are “languishing” on these “hidden” waiting lists.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
