Leader of British minority party quits

Less than a week after his party made gains in the general election, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Britain Tim Farron on Wednesday announced that he was quitting.

Farron took over what is considered the third party in British politics after his predecessor, Nick Clegg stood down in 2015, Xinhua news agency reported.

Clegg had been Deputy Prime Minister in the coalition government under Conservative David Cameron. But the party lost around 50 seats in the Commons in 2015, leaving just eight Liberal Democrat MPs.

In a statement announcing his decision, Farron said he was torn between living as a faithful Christian and serving as a political leader.

During the election campaign he faced tough questions over his attitude over gay rights, particularly same sex marriages.

Farron said he should have dealt more wisely with questions relating to his faith during the election campaign, including his views on gay sex.

Farron said he had taken the decision voluntarily and he retained the support of the Lib Dem party.

--IANS

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