Westminster blog

Which politician “on first name terms with the nation” is “swallowing hard” for his party, working “right at the coalface” and offering a “colourful alternative” to the “ordinary members” selecting the next Liberal Democrat president?

Why, Lembit Opik of course.

In a characteristically understated pitch to LibDem activists, Mr Opik says he has a “national profile” as “one of three politicians from any party who’s on first name terms with the nation!” (Why so modest Lembit? We can’t think of the other two.)

Here is the full “on first name terms with the nation” section of his email, which was sent to members earlier this week.

Active in politics for over 25 years, I’ve learned that while the hardest, most painful lessons can come from mistakes – no great achievement comes without risk. I know that it’s now time for me to swallow hard, step up to the platform – to proclaim what we value as Liberal Democrats and to breathe new life into British politics. As President I believe I can do this: I’ve got a national profile – I’m one of three politicians from any Party who’s on “first name terms” with the nation! This gives me a route to reach out and share our political narrative with people who aren’t all that interested in politics – but who could vote for us.

He goes on to explain what the party should expect if he’s elected president, against the wishes of almost all of Mr Opik’s parliamentary colleagues.

What’s the risk you take in electing me? PRESSURE! I’ll put all Lib Dems under pressure – to build the membership, to streamline our rather cumbersome internal structures, to spread the message of who we are and what we stand for – to be brave: so we can promote our policies in bright unmistakeable primary colours. And I will personally participate in telling our good news story: I’ll come and help you spread our message clearly and simply in ways which can’t be misunderstood. I’ll make us the colourful alternative to the dull “same as/same old” Parties.

Just in case anyone was still unconvinced, Mr Opik Lembit explains his unique approach to handling a hung parliament.

In 1994, at the request of the Federal Executive, I created the system to make a Party wide decision in a hung parliament situation. I’ve experience of going through a national coalition process a number of times – the only candidate to have done so. In Wales, during the coalition talks, I saw the need to focus on a “programme for Government,” and not on personal prejudices about the other Parties. I think we were wrong to walk away from the chance for power, because this contradicts our commitment to a fair votes system which is almost always going to deliver no overall majority.

It would be tragic if we were to miss the opportunity to govern in the UK on the basis of fear or emotion. Whatever the Party decides in that situation, we need to do it rationally, and in line with our goals, values and principles. I’ll take no part in the policy aspects of dialogue about coalition because it’s absolutely the Leader’s role to do that. But I WILL be a President who’ll facilitate dialogue. And I know I can manage that process – because I designed it!

There is more. While his colleagues in Westminster have a love of backstabbing and regicide, Lembit is 150 per cent loyal, without question, to anyone who may be popular with the grassroots. This bit of the email included a picture of Charles Kennedy and Lembit in happier times.

Your support combined with my passionate and loyal commitment will transform this Party. I backed Charles Kennedy throughout the time he was under pressure to resign, and stood up for Ming Campbell when he was in the same situation. And I’ll stand up for this Party with that same integrity and loyalty.

Enough already. Good luck Lembit.