LibDems leader Tim Farron resigns due to conflict between his beliefs and politics

THE Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron who replaced Nick Clegg has resigned as he finds it difficult to compromise his Christian faith.

To some extent until the run-up to the snap General Election, he was hardly a household name and certain sections of the media found it more interesting to probe his view on homosexuality than his party’s policies.

As an evangelical Christian he tried to balance his religious beliefs with a realistic proposal that the LibDems were a serious party who had the chance to influence the future of the country.

In the event, although his party managed to increase its presence in the Commons by 50 per cent, going from 8 to 12 MPs could hardly be described as a huge success, especially as their manifesto called for the legalisation of cannabis and a second referendum on the terms of the Brexit agreement.

Mr Farron had upset some influential gays in the party such as former home affairs spokesman Baron Paddick who resigned his post and his views on abortion were also brought into question.

Tellingly, in his resignation speech he said “I seem to be the subject of suspicion because of what I believe and who my faith is in.

“In which case we are kidding ourselves if we think we yet live in a tolerant, liberal society. That’s why I have chosen to step down as leader of the Liberal Democrats.”

It appears that he will continue to remain as leader until the summer whilst the expected short list for the new leader will include Jo Swinson and former cabinet ministers Vince Cable and Ed Davey.