Bishops of Carlisle and Penrith lament the resignation of Tim Farron MP as Leader of the Liberal Democrats

A joint statement released by the Rt Rev’d James Newcome, the Bishop of Carlisle and the Rt Rev’d Robert Freeman, the Bishop of Penrith:

“We both know Tim Farron well and recognize him to be a politician who is honourable, inspirational and hardworking and who has always represented his constituency well.

“So we are saddened that he has felt moved to have to resign from his position as leader of the Liberal Democrats, as a result of the focus which has been placed on his faith in recent weeks.

“This decision transcends party politics and directly speaks of the need for the political arena to have space for those people who profess and live out a faith in the love of Christ.

“Our prayers are with Tim Farron and his family at this time as he prepares to stand down from his leadership role when Parliament breaks for the summer recess.”

The Rt Rev’d James Newcome, the Bishop of Carlisle
The Rt Rev’d Robert Freeman, the Bishop of Penrith