LORD STEEL UNVEILS PLAQUE FOR GLASGOW PRIME MINISTER

12.00.00am GMT Fri 5th Dec 2008

Charles Kennedy MP, Robert Brown MSP, Nigel Lindsay and Lord Steel at the unveiling of the plaque

Today David Steel (Lord Steel of Aikwood) unveiled a plaque on the home of former Prime Minister and Liberal leader Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman in 129 Bath Street (now the Abode hotel).

Lord Steel said:

"It was on the 5th of December 1905 that Henry Campbell-Bannerman became Prime Minister. So it is appropriate that today we erect a plaque on his childhood home where he lived until his marriage.

"Campbell-Bannerman was Prime Minister for only just over two years till shortly before his death in No 10. For that reason he is not as well known or as fully honoured as those who followed him - Asquith and Lloyd George. Yet he led the Liberal Party at its historic landslide general election victory in 1906 which ushered in the longest period of successful radical government in our country's history.

"Extension of the franchise, the vision of home rule all round in the UK, the introduction of the old-age pension and unemployment benefit - these were just some of their achievements.

"He was educated at Glasgow High School and became MP for the Stirling Burghs. His sense of humour was keen. During one election he was told on the street "Sir Henry, I like you very much, but I would rather vote for the Devil" to which Campbell-Bannerman replied: "As your friend is not standing, you might as well vote for me".

"His leadership, his statesmanship we commemorate today. His obituary in The Times concluded: "Many Prime Ministers have been more admired than Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, but none has inspired more affection."

Ends.