Vince Cable stepping down as Liberal Democrat leader in May because Brexit ‘may never happen’
The MP for Twickenham, 75, previously said he intended to guide his party through the Brexit process
VINCE Cable will step down as leader of the Liberal Democrats in May after promising to guide his party through Brexit which he says “may never happen.”
The veteran MP, 75, says he will now vacate the role after local elections in the spring to concentrate on his literary career.
Mr Cable told the that he wants to let a “new generation” lead the Lib Dems who currently only have 11 Members of Parliament.
The former business secretary admits that he has presided over a “gradual” rather than “spectacular” recovery of the party which was devastated in the 2015 general election losing 49 of 57 seats.
He had previously said he would step down after Brexit was “resolved” but now admits: “It now looks as if it will be a protracted process, and may never happen.”
Mr Cable, who will continue in his role as MP for Twickenham, says he intends to write another political thriller after publishing his first novel Open Arms in 2017.
The 75-year-old, who studied economics at Cambridge and Glasgow University, also plans to write a non-fiction book about politicians who have impacted the economy.
My other thing is to get my dancing back to a serious standard
Mr Cable talks about his hobbies
On the subject of his hobbies, the ballroom dancing enthusiast adds: “My other thing is to get my dancing back to a serious standard.”
However, Mr Cable insists he has no intention of appearing on Strictly Come Dancing after his cameo on the Christmas edition of the BBC show in 2010.
Asked about his successor, the former government minister said: “We’ve got several very good internal candidates - you can work out who they are.
“The worst thing I can do is to start promoting them.”
Jo Swinson, Ed Davey and Layla Moran are believed to be in the frame while non-MP and prominent Remainer Gina Miller could also feature in the race.
Sir Vince said he wanted to announce his departure before the party conference in his hometown of York in October to pave the way for the 12-week leadership contest in May.
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