British Liberals

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIV, Issue 289, 17 November 1924, Page 5

British Liberals

A LEADERSHIP DISPUTE.

REVOLT AGAINST MR. LLOYD GEORGE.

A SPLIT PROBABLE.

London, Nov. 15.

All party organs are speculating as to the effect of Captain Wedgwood Benn’s statement that the people have no confidence in Mr. Lloyd George. “I desire to say plainly,” he said, “that 1 cannot acknowledge in any way, direct or indirect. Mr. Lloyd George as my leader in the House of Commons.”

If Captain Benn’s opinion is shared by other Liberal members, obviously the Liberal party in the House of Commons, small as it is. will be divided and the new movement for the reorganisation of the Liberal forces throughout the country will be seriously impeded. The ‘‘Daily Telegraph” affirms that Mr. Lloyd George is certain to be elected leader at the meeting of the Liberal Parliamentary party as soon as the session opens. The ‘‘Daily Chronicle” declares that Captain Benn’s action at a moment when unity is so essential among the little band of Liberal members has aroused general resentment. The “Daily. Herald” says the pact worked badly for the Asquithians, but favourably for the Lloyd Georgians, at which the Asquithian wing is angry. Mr. Lloyd George, having secured a majority in the attenuated Parliamentary party, is now playing for the leadership and control. The “Morning Post” observes that dissension has arisen as soon as Mr. Asquith’s back is turned. The “Sunday Express” points out that if Air. Lloyd George becomes leader of the Parliamentary party, Mr. Asquith will still be leader of theparty throughout the country. It is stated that Mr. Lloyd George provided £50,000 for election purposes out of the National Liberal fund. He was asked for £lOO,OOO. in which case the Liberals could have run 500 instead of 300 Candida tes.—(A. and N.Z.)