Recommended reading for Lib Dems

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Update: It is inevitable that the belated standing down of Mick Bates will be further translated into commentary on Kirsty Williams' grip on her party machine and what David Cornock described the Lib Dem’s effortless ability to turn a drama into a story.

As DC observes, ushering Mick Bates out the back door at the weekend conference was hardly the smart move. Neither was issuing supportive but speculative comments. The golden rule in cookie-jar crisis media management is that if you don’t know then don’t guess – it simply has the same effect as chucking water at a flaming chip pan. Just as importantly, never, ever, under any circumstances, take the word of the person in the shit at face value. They will lie or omit an important aspect (like punching a paramedic) and you simply end up doing what you should have done from the outset and before the noises-off start about your indecisive leadership, etc.

All in all, a bit of firmness to go with all the fairness on offer might have been a better approach.

Further update: Told 'ya. Lib Dem leader Williams' "regret" at Bates abuse claim.

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(CS)