Vince resigns as Lib Dem deputy leader

Vince Cable’s resignation as deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats has, predictably, sparked speculation about his motives. But one definite effect of his resignation will be to create a contest for the deputy leadership. 

The deputy leader is elected by the parliamentary party. So it is unlikely that anyone will stand on a coalition-sceptic position. But it’ll be interesting to see if the job goes to someone inside or outside the government. If the deputy leader is not a member of the government, then they’ll be in a position to express Lib Dem as distinct from coalition policy.