After Crushing Defeat, Clegg Announces He’s Resigning as Liberal Democratic Head

“I always expected this election to be exceptionally difficult for the Liberal Democrats giving the heavy responsibilities we have had to bear in government in the most challenging circumstances. But clearly the results have been immeasurably more crushing and unkind than I could ever feared. 

For that, of course, I must take responsibility and therefore I announce that I will be resigning as leader of the Liberal Democrats. A leadership election will now take place according to the party’s rules. For the last seven years it has been a privilege, a huge privilege, and unlimited honor to lead a party of the most resilient, courageous and remarkable people. 

The Liberal Democrats are a family, and I will always be extremely proud of the warmth, good grace and good humor which are political family has shown through the ups and downs over recent years. So I want to thank every member, every campaigner, every councilor and every parliamentarian for the commitment you have shown to our country and to our party. 

It is simply heartbreaking to see so many friends and colleagues who have served their constituents so diligently over so many years abruptly lose their seats because of forces entirely beyond their control.”