While the media has been focused on the Labour leadership contest, the Liberal Democrats are also shuffling closer to choosing their new leader. The ballot papers are being sent out tomorrow and the winner will be announced three weeks from now. The Libs have a choice between Norman Lamb, the former care minister who is energetically defending the Lib Dem’s record in office, and Tim Farron, the party’s former president who is arguing a lot needs to change.
Farron and Lamb appeared on the Victoria Derbyshire show today for a gentle debate, both admitting there was ‘not a lot’ they disagree on. Both defended the Liberal Democrats’ decision to enter into coalition with the Tories. Lamb said:
‘The political stability the coalition provided got the country through a very difficult period. I think we were novices against a ruthless Tory machine but I think we did the right thing.’
Farron said he wouldn’t rule out going back into coalition with the Conservatives, or anyone else.
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