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UK Lib Dems leader to resign over religion

UK Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron (Photo by AFP)

UK Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron has decided to step down after being “subject of suspicion” because of his religious beliefs.

Farron said in a rush statement on Wednesday night that he was "torn between living as a faithful Christian and serving as a political leader" and wanted to hand the job over to someone who could lead the party “more wisely.”

"To be a leader, particularly of a progressive liberal party in 2017 and to live as a committed Christian and to hold faithful to the Bible's teaching has felt impossible for me," said Farron, who has long been faced with questions regarding his faith and policies.

Earlier in the day, Lib Dems Shadow Home Secretary Brian Paddick resigned from his position citing “concerns about the leader's views on various issues that were highlighted” during the 2017 General Election.

Despite leading a successful campaign that ultimately saw Lib Dems increase their Parliament seats from 8 to 12, Farron’s efforts were marred by criticism about his views on abortion and homosexuality.

The attacks continued after Farron said homosexuality was not a sin in his view and defended choice on the issue of abortion.

"A better, wiser person may have been able to deal with this more successfully, to remain faithful to Christ while leading a political party in the current environment,” said Farron.

The decision was mostly praised by church leaders, with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby describing it as “honorable and decent.”

Farron, who replaced Nick Clegg after his disastrous election results in 2015, will remain in his position until the party holds a leadership election.

Clegg also reacted to Farron’s decision, saying he was “moved” by it.

Meanwhile, former Lib Dem official Miranda Green criticized Farron for making his statement on the same day as a tower block fire that killed 12 people and injured dozens more in London.

She said the timing showed the Lib Dem leader was "myopic and self-obsessed".


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