A resignation to regret

The resignation of Sir Menzies Campbell as leader of the Liberal Democrats brings a sharp reality check to British politics after the most volatile month in recent times. The gravitas and analytical ability Sir Ming brought from his days as a QC served him well in political debate and his expertise on foreign affairs commanded cross-party respect. Routinely described as urbane and suave, his statesmanlike demeanour bafflingly failed to translate into convincing authority as LibDem leader.