Best wishes for Sir Cyril at Leadership Hustings!

12.33.29am GMT Thu 9th Mar 2006

The health of former Rochdale MP - Sir Cyril Smith dominated proceedings at a Lib Dem Leadership Hustings at Manchester Town Hall this week, the event was attended by over 700 Liberal Democrat Members. The chance to hear the views of all 3 Leadership Contenders at the same time was taken over with wishes for the former heavyweight of Rochdale Politics.

Speaking first - Sir Menzies Campbell said, "I wish Sir Cyril well, he has been a major influence to Liberals across the country. I have sent my wishes to him and I hope he makes a speedy recovery, Sir Cyril has always been outspoken and when we only had a small number of MP's - Sir Cyril carried the torch for Liberal Democracy with ease."

Leadership Favourite - Chris Huhne MP spoke next, he said, "I had the pleasure of paying homage to Sir Cyril last week in Rochdale and I enjoyed his company immensely. Sir Cyril has always had a reputation for plain speaking and the great honesty he has consistently displayed is a lesson to any aspiring politician!"

Finally - Simon Hughes MP spoke in admiration of the man he has been friends with for the best part of a quarter of a century. Simon said, "I have been friends with Sir Cyril for a long, long time and I hope that Cyril bounces back. I am delighted that he has supported my campaign and I hope that whatever happens in the next few weeks the influence of Sir Cyril continues to flow through Liberal politics. Rochdale should be proud of a man that has given his life - first to the people of Rochdale and secondly to the politics of the Liberal Democrats. On a recent visit he was so keen to support the campaign to save services at Rochdale Infirmary, his devotion to the people of Rochdale will never end! Paul Rowen has already displayed some of the forthright opinions of Sir Cyril and I hope the tradition of outspoken Rochdale politicians will continue"

Best Wishes were given to Sir Cyril's family including brother Norman. Sir Cyril was knighted in 1988 and was awarded the MBE in 1966 when he also served as Mayor of Rochdale.

Paul Rowen MP said, "The fact that all 3 candidates spent time paying tribute to Sir Cyril - shows what a high regard he's held in. I've spoke to Norman - who tells me that Sir Cyril is more interested in the future of Rochdale Infirmary. It says it all about a family who have made their life's work - the Town of Rochdale."