Vince Cable looks ahead to the next chapter in Liberal Democrat and British politics

Earlier this week Vince Cable announced his intenton to stand down as leader writing that "This has been a dramatic week in Parliament with Theresa May's Brexit proposals heavily defeated, and a very clear statement that a 'no deal' Brexit must be avoided.

I indicated last year that once the Brexit story had moved on, and we had fought this year's crucial local elections in 9,000 seats across England, it would be time for me to make way for a new generation. I set considerable store by having an orderly, business-like, succession unlike the power struggles in the other parties.

So I wanted you, our members, to know that, assuming Parliament does not collapse into an early General Election, I will ask the party to begin a leadership contest in May.

At our spring conference this weekend, members will have the chance to make that contest the biggest and most open leadership election British politics has ever seen. It's a real opportunity for our party to seize the radical and liberal centre of British politics. "

Read Vince's full statement at www.libdems.org.uk/the-next-chapter-vince