Sir Vince Cable launches bid to lead Liberal Democrats at the age of 74

Sir Vince Cable said he had the necessary “experience” to lead the Lib Dems
Alex Lentati
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Sir Vince Cable today launched his bid to lead the Liberal Democrats by saying he had the “experience” for the job.

The 74-year-old rebuffed claims he is too old to succeed Tim Farron by arguing he could inject hard-won “credibility” to the third party.

Writing on Liberal Democrat Voice, Sir Vince said: “I believe I can as leader offer the energy, dedication and drive, as well as experience, to help – with you - to make our party a credible contender for power.”

The leadership contest was opened up yesterday with the decision by former frontrunner Jo Swinson, 37, to sit it out.

The new favourite at the bookies is former health minister Norman Lamb, 59, closely followed by former Energy Secretary Sir Ed Davey, 51, and Sir Vince, the former Business Secretary in the Coalition.

Somne supporters of Ms Swinson want Sir Vince to serve for two years as leader with her as his deputy, before stepping aside for her to take over before the next election, due in 2022.

In his launch article, Sir Vince said the party needed “consistent and principled” policies for a possible early election. He said his 20 years of frontline experience were needed in “a period of chronic uncertainty”.

“There is a big space in British politics which I am determined that we should occupy,” he said.

Mr Farron quit after complaints that the party’s election camapign was too focused on Brexit and lacked depth.

He was also dogged by questions about his personal views on gay rights.

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