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,…