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.

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