Political

Ros Scott writes about Chris Rennard’s resignation

Liberal Democrat party president Ros Scott writes about the resignation of Chris Rennard as the party’s Chief Executive:

I first met Chris Rennard in the run-up to the 1999 European elections, when I was the number two on the East of England list. Of course I knew who he was, a campaign legend, whilst I was just starting my career in politics. Then, as now, he was a source of wise advice, exceptional strategic judgement and personal support.

Chris has worked for the party for 27 years. His political activism began in Liverpool where he delivered half of a focus round because his mother wouldn’t let him cross the main road! The Liberal cause has motivated Chris ever since. He has been the pivotal figure in transforming our party into the formidable campaigning force which it is today. Literally dozens of Liberal Democrat MPs owe their seats to Chris’s efforts over the years.

Chris’s resignation today will come as a blow to the party. But I am confident that once he has left the post of Chief Executive he will continue his involvement with the Party in a variety of ways. One of Chris’s lasting legacies is the highly professional team he has created in Cowley Street and in constituencies across the country, which will take us forward into the next General Election and beyond.

I know what a difficult time this is for anyone involved in politics but our Party is stronger than it ever has been. During the course of this very tough few weeks Nick, myself and Party colleagues have been working hard to deal with the current issues facing all political parties. Tomorrow I will be setting out the measures we have agreed to take which will continue to put us ahead of the curve in creating a political system in which the public can have confidence.

Ten years from my first meeting with Chris we are again facing European elections. So for the next two weeks I will be out and about with activists delivering leaflets and knocking on doors. With Nick Clegg and Vince Cable leading our party, and your help, I am confident that on June 4th we can give Chris the send off he deserves.

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