A new opportunity for the Welsh Liberal Democrats

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 16th Oct 2007

It has been a week of surprises for the Welsh Liberal Democrats with three resignations in as many days. On Saturday at the Welsh Liberal Democrat's conference in Aberystwyth, Lembit Opik stood down as leader of the Welsh Lib Dems and on Sunday Mike German announced he would stand down as Leader in the Welsh Assembly in May next year. Then on Monday, Sir Ming Campbell completed the hat-trick when he stood down as UK leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Lib Dem Spokesperson for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, Amy Kitcher said: "It was a real shock to see all three leaders resign so quickly. All three men have served the party with great strength and determination, and provided a strong and effective opposition to Labour in Westminster and Cardiff Bay.

"There is a real opportunity now for a new leader to take the party forward. I believe that under Gordon Brown Labour are drifting even further away from the people in the Valley's. I am sure that whoever our new leaders are, they will listen to the needs of our community and provide a real alternative to Labour."