BOROUGH Liberal Democrats would like to see a woman succeed Charles Kennedy who resigned as party leader on Sunday.
Members in Ellesmere Port and Neston think Mr Kennedy did a good job during his term of office, despite media criticism about his supposed poor performance and alcohol problems.
Derek Gaskell, Lib Dem leader on the borough council, said: 'I was shocked when it came out. It was the not knowing what was really going on.
'I was disappointed that our party president Simon Hughes hadn't explained to local members what was happening in Westminster with regard to Mr Kennedy and rumblings about his future.'
He added: 'It's right that Mr Kennedy has stepped down. But I'm disappointed he'll be remembered for his drinking rather than his achievements.
'We've had the best election results since the 1920s, got more MPs, he kept party independence, made good points on Iraq, 90 days detention for terror suspects and ID cards, and never entered the yahboo side of politics.'
Cllr Gaskell, who represents Riverside ward and lives in Neston, would like to see Susan Kramer, the Lib Dem's candidate for London Mayor in 2000, stand as leader.
He said: 'She's got tremendous experience in finance but has only just got into Parliament.
'As for the leadership candidates emerging now, I'd happily work for any of them.
'My preferred candidate is Sir Menzies Campbell because more people know him, and he'd be a welcome change from David Cameron and Tony Blair.
'Every single member in the party will have their say in choosing a new leader. Candidates must declare by January 25, then they go on the hustings, so we should see a new leader by March 2.'
