BRITISH LIBERAL LEADERSHIP

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 18, 16 October 1926, Page 9

BRITISH LIBERAL LEADERSHIP

RESIGNATION OF LORD OXFORD

REFUSES TO PARTICIPATE IN SECTIONAL CONTROVERSIES

RETIREMENT FROM PUBLIC LIFE NOT CONTEMPLATED

The Earl of Oxford and Asquith has resigned the leadership of the Liberal Party. In a letter to the president of the Liberal Federation he says that party unity cannot effectively.be maintained under rival authorities, separate organisations and funds, and he will not participate in sectional controversies. He does not contemplate retirement from public life. Lord Oxford’s resignation without nominating a successor caused a sensation in the party.

B? Telegram.—pby.ss association.— CoPvhigHt,

London, October Id. The Earl of Oxford and Asquith has resigned the Leadership of the Liberal Party. (Rec. October 15, 8.10 p.m.) London, October 11. Lord Oxford, in a letter to Mr. J. A. Spender, president of the Liberal Federation, says: “I have reconsidered every view-point, since the differences

a n si n g from the strike, of my. personal relations with the party. I am oi opinion that serious matters of principle, vital to the Liberal Party, the State, and Parliamentary government, were then, and are now, imperilled. If the strike, which is the uravest event of my lifetime, were to succeed, Parliamenthtv <rovertimenf would hr* ended. Tern-

porising with the situation would fatally and justly discredit the Liberal Party. It was with surprise and distress that I found my public declarations encountered a challenge from a quarter.it was impossible to disregard, coupled w'h a refusal in a time of national crisis to meet me in council. Fortunately the strike ended, to which Liberal declarations materially contributed.

IMPORTANCE OF PARTY UNITY.

“I attach as much importance as anyone to party unity, and I have done as much as anyone to preserve it; but it cannot effectively be maintained under rival authorities, with separate organisations and funds. I will not participate in sectional controversies. T am now in my seventy-fifth year. During all the years I was in office T gave my time and strength unreservedly to the service of the party and the State. I never swerved, and never shall, from the principles of Liberalism. Though my health is restored, I feel that the anxieties of leadership should not be continued, by anyone who cannot stand the strain. I do not contemplate retirement from public life. I hope still to. be of service to the State and to Liberalism. But it is my dutv to lav

down the leadership, which decision I regret is irrevocable.”

LIBERAL MEETING AT GREENOCK Lord Oxford’s resignation without nominating a successor caused a sensation in the Liberal Party, though there are hopes that he will clear up the confusion when he speaks at an important Liberal meeting at Greenock to-morrow, supported by Viscount Grey, Sir John Simon, Mr. W. Runciman, and others who decline to accept Mr. Lloyd George’s leadership. Some are of opinion that there may be a tacit understanding that Earl Beauchamp, who did not sign the anti-Lloyd George manifesto, will continue to lead the party in the House of Lords,.and that Mr. Lloyd George will lead in the House of Commons until the Liberals are returned to power. If a Beauchamp compromise proves to be impossible, many Moderates are likely to take the opportunity, of Lord Oxford’s resignation to leave the party.

MR. LLOYD GEORGE’S POSITION.

Mr. Lloyd George is reserving Ins views until he speaks at Barnstaple on Saturday. Owing to the separate organisation and election fund, Mr. Lloyd George occupies a position of unexampled independence. Lord Reading, Sir Herbert Samuel, and Sir John Simon are also mentioned for the leadership. but a majority of the Liberals are unwilling to risk a party meeting to elect a leader.

PRESS TRIBUTES (Rec. October 16. 0.10 a.m.) London. October 15.

The whole of the Press pays a tribute to Lord Oxford’s career, especially his resolution and dignity in August, 1914. The ‘‘Daily Chronicle” notes the references to differences, but says it would be unseemly and unprofitable to discuss them at present. Lord Oxford in retirement, it says, will enjoy the respect and affection of all Liberals. The “Manchester Guardian” says a new start must be made, such as could not well be looked for from Lord Oxford.

The “Daily News” says, however the resignation is regretted, it is difficult to say the step is not the right one.