Local Lib Dem Euro MP expresses 'incredible sadness' at resignation of Charles Kennedy

12.00.00am GMT Sat 7th Jan 2006

Commenting on the resignation of Charles Kennedy this afternoon, local Liberal Democrat Euro MP and former Leader of her Party in the European Parliament, Diana Wallis, has expressed her "incredible sadness".

Diana Wallis, Lib Dem MEP for Yorkshire & the Humber said:

"I heard Charles Kennedy's resignation speech with incredible sadness. He was a tremendous leader of the party, leading us to two hugely successful General Election results. He will be a huge loss to the party.

"I am very angry at the way he has been treated by some Parliamentary colleagues at Westminster who have effectively hounded him out of office and have completely violated the values which our party has stood for. However, it is now important that the party attempts to pull itself together as Charles said in his speech otherwise there is a real danger of a civil war breaking out".