Ming's resignation is certainly not news to revel in, but it is cause for relief

I am sorry it has come to this point, but Ming Campbell's resignation as leader was required if the party was not to suffer a dreadful fate at the next election.

It is clear that Ming himself knew that he could not brazen things out until 2009 and has accepted the inevitable that a new leader is needed to ensure the party makes progress. He should be thanked for showing that wisdom.

As someone who had met Ming, supported him in his leadership campaign and rather likes him as a person and spokesman for the party, I am very relieved that he has decided to go because there was a real danger of all the good Ming has done being erased by the damage his leadership was doing to the party in the polls and in real elections.

I certainly don't revel in it, but I am mightily relieved.