A safe choice in the election of Sir Menzies Campbell as leader of the Lib Dems today. I think it’s an interesting choice by the party members, and I wonder how much of the selection is based on a desire to have a leader unlike the other two. That being said, Campbell has proved himself plenty of times with his consistence views on Iraq and ID cards, surely things which have appealed to the electorate. He may not set the sky alight, but I’m sure it will be a good move for the party, at least in the short term in order to capitalise as soon as possible on the good election results and the need to pick up the pieces after the election.

He has already gone on record as saying that he will take risks in his party leadership though. I’m guessing he has to say this considering his age (which shouldn’t be an issue, but it is), but if it is more than just expediency, Campbell could really move the party in the right direction. He does have the experience, he does have party trust, and he will give Cameron and Blair a hard time over the big issues.

The spring conference this weekend will surely tell us more. I’ll see what Campbell has in store then, and see how well he manages to stick to this over the coming months. Again, action not words will be the true test, although considering Campbell said this himself on Spotlight (South West BBC news) tonight, I think he realises this and will hopefully distance himself from Labour and the Conservatives in doing his best to deliver it.