Liberal Democrats Deal Blow to Paddy Ashdown as Party Heads Towards Divided Leadership

The Liberal Democrats dealt a severe blow to party leader Paddy Ashdown on the first day of their conference in Brighton, with a motion to decriminalize the use and possession of cannabis passing by a majority of 426 to 375. The move defied warnings from party leaders that it would send the wrong signal, and it was later claimed that the vote was merely a proposal to establish a royal commission to examine decriminalization, rather than an outright endorsement of the policy.

Key Takeaways:

• The Liberal Democrats have taken a significant step towards decriminalizing cannabis, with 426 delegates voting in favor of the motion and 375 against.
• The vote has sparked controversy, with Home Secretary Michael Howard immediately denouncing the decision, citing the harm caused by cannabis.
• Party leader Paddy Ashdown attempted to distance the party from the motion, stating that the next manifesto would only contain a commitment to a royal commission, not decriminalization.
• Senior MPs, including Alan Beith and Menzies Campbell, expressed their opposition to the Tory government, with Campbell stating that he finds it "inconceivable" to support a Tory government.
• The party's stance on internal independence is becoming increasingly apparent, with MPs expressing their willingness to pursue their own path rather than remaining tied to the party's traditional stance.

Statistics:

• 426 delegates voted in favor of the motion to decriminalize cannabis.
• 375 delegates voted against the motion.
• 60% of delegates (426 out of 708) supported the motion to decriminalize cannabis.
• The Liberal Democrats' reputation as a party of "high-tax" is under threat, with the party leadership scrambling to reassure middle-class voters.

Sources:

• The Guardian, no date
• PATRICK WINTOUR, Political Correspondent
• Updating: Labour conference and ALAN Beith