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23/01/2006
Lib Dems battle on in wake of Oaten revelations
The Liberal Democrats are struggling to restore their reputation, in the wake of revelations over MP Mark Oaten's alleged affair with a male prostitute.
The 41-year-old Winchester MP stood down as the party's home affairs spokesperson at the weekend, following claims in the 'News of the World' that he had been regularly visiting a male prostitute.
Mr Oaten, who is married with two children, apologised for "errors of judgement" in his personal behaviour and appealed for privacy for himself and his family.
The newspaper article alleged that Mr Oaten met the man, who was 23 at the time, through an advert on a gay website in 2004. It was alleged that Mr Oaten had regularly visited the man over a period of six months and that, on one occasion, another male prostitute had joined them.
The Liberal Democrats have already had a turbulent year. Earlier in the month, leader Charles Kennedy resigned after admitting to having a drink problem, while last week, the party's leader in the House of Lords, Lord McNally, also admitted that he had been an alcoholic in the 1980s.
Last week, Mr Oaten dropped out of the party's leadership contest, leaving acting leader Sir Menzies Campbell, party president Simon Hughes and newly elected MP Chris Huhne in the running.
Alistair Carmichael, Mr Oaten's deputy, has temporarily taken over as the party's home affairs spokesperson.
Sir Menzies has stressed that the public can still trust the Liberal Democrats, as opinion polls show that the party has lost popularity in the wake of the revelations.
Speaking at the Eden Project in Cornwall as part of his leadership campaign, Sir Menzies said: "Look at the quality of the Liberal Democrat MPs in Cornwall, how they fight for their constituents.
"That commitment I want to see the party demonstrate throughout the UK."
The acting party leader also spoke of his "experience and maturity" and said that he wanted to "create a sense of unity and show a sense of professionalism".
(KMcA)
The 41-year-old Winchester MP stood down as the party's home affairs spokesperson at the weekend, following claims in the 'News of the World' that he had been regularly visiting a male prostitute.
Mr Oaten, who is married with two children, apologised for "errors of judgement" in his personal behaviour and appealed for privacy for himself and his family.
The newspaper article alleged that Mr Oaten met the man, who was 23 at the time, through an advert on a gay website in 2004. It was alleged that Mr Oaten had regularly visited the man over a period of six months and that, on one occasion, another male prostitute had joined them.
The Liberal Democrats have already had a turbulent year. Earlier in the month, leader Charles Kennedy resigned after admitting to having a drink problem, while last week, the party's leader in the House of Lords, Lord McNally, also admitted that he had been an alcoholic in the 1980s.
Last week, Mr Oaten dropped out of the party's leadership contest, leaving acting leader Sir Menzies Campbell, party president Simon Hughes and newly elected MP Chris Huhne in the running.
Alistair Carmichael, Mr Oaten's deputy, has temporarily taken over as the party's home affairs spokesperson.
Sir Menzies has stressed that the public can still trust the Liberal Democrats, as opinion polls show that the party has lost popularity in the wake of the revelations.
Speaking at the Eden Project in Cornwall as part of his leadership campaign, Sir Menzies said: "Look at the quality of the Liberal Democrat MPs in Cornwall, how they fight for their constituents.
"That commitment I want to see the party demonstrate throughout the UK."
The acting party leader also spoke of his "experience and maturity" and said that he wanted to "create a sense of unity and show a sense of professionalism".
(KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy start with patchy mainly light rain, but becoming brighter through the day as the rain turns more showery, the best of any sunnier spells in the south. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
