Boozing leader quits

London

The head of the Liberal Democratic Party stepped down last week after admitting he had been struggling with alcoholism. Charles Kennedy’s alcoholism was about to be exposed by a TV station when he acknowledged his drinking problem and offered to hold a new election for party leader. But for many Liberal Democratic members of Parliament, the offer wasn’t enough; they demanded and received his resignation. Other politicians found the outcome harsh. “Kennedy confronted his problems and appealed for support,” said Alex Salmond of the Scottish National Party, “but his MPs have responded by knifing him in the front.”