Poor old Charlie must be having a nice Christmas what with Menzies Campbell sticking the knife in(only because he wants to be leader himself!).

Andrew Rawnsley in the Observer on Sunday said something very prescient, in that the Lib Dems can't make up their mind-they went for calmer more laid back Kennedy after the very unpredictable and hyperactive Paddy Ashdown. (Although Kennedy isn't actually a trained killer )

So does anyone actually like him on here? Would you vote Lib Dems in the next election if he was still the leader? Do you think he's actually done the Lib Dems any good?

He's Ok, he's done alright for the Liberals,My Mum reackons he's still a "drunk" but who knows. I think he's a nice down to earth funny man but not really the nasty piece of work you have to be in UK politics. I think they would probably do better with another leader at this stage.

But the Liberals must be careful I mean they have never had so many MPs they can't be seen to be too power hungry when they have never been so popular.

Mym Mum also doesn't like him much (but then she's a Thatcherite, so he fighting a losing battle with her). I really like him, and agree with you Bill, that he is too nice. However, I don't think they'd benefit from a new leader, as they now have the second most famous leader in the Commons, and they'll have a lot of unknown candidates (according to Joe Public, anyway) if there was a leadership battle now.

CD

I'd say on media coverage, and recognition (give or take a couple of months) then Cameron will be the second most famous leader.

I would have a strong chance of voting Lib Dem at the next General Election if Kennedy did remain as leader. I'm not sure i would vote for them if Menzies Campbell was at the helm.

That's a fair shout, but in a way it backs up my point because Cameron still needs to establish himself, whereas Kennedy is already there.

CD

He's not great, but I don't see other brilliant options for the Lib Dems right now. I like Mark Oaten policy-wise but I'm not sure he has the character or charisma to succeed. Menzies Campbell is good but just too old.

Unfortunately I reckon the next election may see the number of Lib Dem seats drop for the first time in a while. Cameron will take votes from them. Although I don't buy really his new 'liberal conservatism' schtick. It's a coherent idea, but we haven't heard the policies to back it up yet, and frankly, Cameron just sounds like New Labour.

My Mum was spot on!

Was listening to the news this morning.

Thing is i like the libs, but i can't see a future in him anymore as a leader. (what someone in the libs has an addiction? call Kate Moss)

If the party is going to be taken seriously you need a leader that can become priminister.

You can't really beat a booze addiction. it's one of the many things that worries me about Bush.

Someone new and more assertive would be a great thing.

That new dreary conservative cunt likes the smiths we are doomed

Hahaha post of the week!

We are actually