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.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
What should you be stockpiling for 'World War Three'?In the Spotlight Britons advised to prepare after the EU tells its citizens to have an emergency kit just in case
-
Carnivore diet: why people are eating only meatThe Explainer 'Meatfluencers' are taking social media by storm but experts warn meat-only diets have health consequences
-
Scientists want to fight malaria by poisoning mosquitoes with human bloodUnder the radar Drugging the bugs
