Lord Wallace to step down as party leader in UK parliament

Former representative for Orkney in both the UK and Scottish parliaments, Jim Wallace has announced his intention to step down as leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.

Lord Wallace of Tankerness has been leader of the group of 107 Liberal Democrat peers in the House of lords since October 2013, during which time he was also advocate general for Scotland and Deputy Leader of the House of Lords in the coalition government.

He served as MP for Orkney and Shetland from 1983 to 2001 and was MSP for Orkney from 1999, during the establishment of Scottish Parliament, until 2007.

Jim Wallace said: “This has been a difficult decision for me, and not one which I have taken lightly.

“After much thought I believe it is the right decision. I was first elected to the House of Commons thirty-three years ago. For twenty-eight of these years, I have been on the frontline, including sixteen years in a leadership role, here in the Lords and in Scotland. To continue would be because of a sense of duty; but I feel that in the interests of the Group, more than that is needed, particularly as we enter an important new phase in the country’s political life.

“It is a huge privilege to lead such a talented and united team which, in challenging circumstances for our Party, has responded so enthusiastically in articulating and campaigning for the liberal and democratic values which our country so dearly needs.”

“I will continue to play an active part in Liberal Democrat politics, supporting the leadership of Tim Farron as we enter a period of exciting opportunity for our party.”