91Èȱ¬

91Èȱ¬ BLOGS - Newsnight: Michael Crick
« Previous | Main | Next »

More Lib Dem coalition abstainers revealed

Michael Crick | 11:40 UK time, Tuesday, 28 September 2010

The Lib Dem MP John Leech told a Fabian Society meeting in Manchester last night that he was one of three Liberal Democrat MPs to abstain on the setting up of the coalition.

Previously it was thought that only one MP, Charles Kennedy, had abstained when Lib Dems met in May to approve the setting up of the coalition.

Mr Leech said that as one of three Lib Dem MPs not to vote for the government, he was "absolutely not shutting the door" to a future coalition with Labour.

Leech, a fairly low-profile MP, confirmed that the second MP was Charles Kennedy, but refused to name the third. But he did add it wasn't either of the regular Lib Dem rebels in the Commons in recent months, Bob Russell or Mike Hancock.

Comments

  • Comment number 1.

    Is it at all possible that Ming Campbell abstained? I know various papers reported that (despite serious doubts) he had backed the coalition agreement - but has he ever confirmed in as many words that he definitely voted in favour?

  • Comment number 2.

    Ming doesn't look like an abstainer...more Charlie's territory...

  • Comment number 3.

    Very glad to learn this news, although I'm surprised only three abstained. I wonder how many will have wished they had not voted in favour come the next general election?

    [Note: read about UK politics and more at the Brooks Blog (

  • Comment number 4.

    FROM LEFT FIELD

    Pathetic that Limited Ed thinks he was voted for - in Westminster you vote for personal advantage - perceived or actual.

    I bet he thinks his constituncy voters vote for HIM rather than his rosette.

    Pathetic party politicians.

Ìý

91Èȱ¬ iD

91Èȱ¬ navigation

91Èȱ¬ © 2014 The 91Èȱ¬ is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.