I recently asked Mike German a few questions in the run up to the Welsh liberal Democrat leadership contest between kirsty Williams and Jenny Randerson.
What is leadership to the Welsh Liberal Democrats and to Mike? Heres mikes answer;
Well done Bob.
The leadership of the Welsh Liberal Democrats is crucial to the direction of our party and of the country. With a semi proportional voting system our role in the inevitable coalitions which that brings is of enormous significance. The leader sets the tone and direction of our party and plays a crucial role in post election negotiations. We are a political party - our objective is to be in government. Obviously not at any price, but based on a Welsh Liberal Democrat programme.
Our policy programme is established by the party over the intervening 4 years - but it lays the platform for our manifesto. With increasing policy divergence from England, it is inevitable that we have to take strong measures to ensure of programme is fit for purpose, ambitious and above all based on liberal principles. The leader's engagement in this process is crucial, as the programme - along with the party strategy is fundamental to the tone or political atmosphere which we create and espouse in Wales.
Much of leadership is like an iceberg. You only see a small part of it, the overwhelming majority of it is below the waterline. My ten years at the helm tells me that the below the waterline work takes up far more energy that that which is above. But without this part of the work - party committees, meetings and party activity - that which the public sees would be much diminished in both quality and quantity.
It has been a great privilege to lead this party for so long. I do not underestimate the challenges faced by my successor.
Michael German OBE AM
Leader, Welsh Liberal Democrats
Arweinydd, Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru
National Assembly for Wales
Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru
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