Thorpe Resignation Rocks British Liberal Party (Press, 12 May 1976)

On 11 May 1976, the British Liberal Party faced a significant crisis marked by the resignation of its leader, Jeremy Thorpe, following allegations of a homosexual affair. The controversy, which began in January, stemmed from claims made by former male model Norman Scott, who alleged that he had sexual relations with Thorpe. This situation was further complicated by revelations from former party deputy treasurer David Holmes and ex-MP Peter Bessell, both of whom admitted to financially supporting Scott. Holmes paid £2,500 for letters he believed might damage the party. Thorpe, aged 47, consistently denied Scott's allegations, stating their relationship was limited and that they had not been in contact for over a decade. In his resignation letter, he expressed that he could not effectively lead the party while continuously countering accusations and media scrutiny. It was noted that the Liberal Party, historically significant with leaders like Gladstone and Lloyd George, had not been in power for 60 years and was currently languishing in support due to an inadequate electoral system, holding only 13 out of 635 House of Commons seats despite garnering nearly 20% of the vote in the 1974 General Election. Following his resignation, senior party members convened to initiate the process of selecting a new leader. David Steel, the party’s Scottish Chief Whip, emerged as a frontrunner, while John Pardoe, the economics spokesman, and Emlyn Hooson, a lawyer and farmer from Wales, were also candidates. This leadership change coincided with a broader political shift in Britain, which saw three new party leaders preparing for the upcoming General Election, expected to occur later in 1976 or 1977. Additionally, Thorpe would retain his House of Commons seat despite stepping down as leader. The ramifications of the Scott affair extended beyond personal allegations; they dealt a blow to the party's historical legacy and showcased the precarious position of the Liberals in British politics during that period. Meanwhile, Scott had initiated legal proceedings against Thorpe for libel and slander, adding another layer to this unfolding political drama.

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