CRISIS IN LIBERAL PARTY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18510, 6 March 1930, Page 9

CRISIS IN LIBERAL PARTY.

Mr Lloyd George’s Victory

CONFIDENCE IN HIS LEADERSHIP (United Press Association- -By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyrlgh t.) (Received March 5, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 4. After the longest meeting of the Liberal Party in history, an official report has been issued, stating that a vote of confidence in Mr Lloyd George was carried by acclamation, after a prolonged and frank discussion. On Mr Lloyd George’s invitation, every member made a personal pledge to work harmoniously in the interests of parliamentary co-operation in the future. Sir Robert Hutchison was requested. and consented to withdraw his resignation. It is understood that there was one dissentient. The Hon. Walter Runciman, Sir Donald Mac Lean. and a few others, abstained from voting. The giving of a personal pledge was not expressed in the formal resolution, but was put as a question from the chair, whether the Party could agree to work harmoniously, which was passed unanimously.

TOn a Liberal amendment in the Coal Mines Bill four I/beral members voted with the Government and against their own party, while eight others obstained from voting either way. The amendment was defeated by only nine votes. Commenting on the political situation created by this vote, the “Daily News” said at the close of last week: “There is reason to believe that in consequence of certain Liberals’ attitude on the Coal Bill during the debate of February 27, Mr Lloyd George is considering resigning the leadership at the party meeting on March 4. He has consulted leading members of the party. Members of the Liberal Shadow Cabinet declare that Liberals voting with the Government provoked a first-class party crisis. It was subsequently denied that Mr Lloyd George contemplated resigning. “The Daily Herald,” which is the official organ of the Labour Party, said that the future fate of Mr Lloyd George and Liberalism and the political happening in Britain for the next few years all depend on the meetings the Liberal “Shadow Cabinet” and the Parliamentary Liberal Party will hold on Monday and Tuesday respectively. “It is understood,” says the Labour journal, “that Mr Lloyd George is determined to bring matters to a head immediately, demanding that the twelve “rebels” shall either abide by party decisions in the division lobbies or be expelled.]