1976 Liberal Party (UK) leadership election the only time it was ever used to elect a Liberal leader. The election was won by David Steel, who served as leader of the Liberal Party until merger with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1988, forming the Liberal Democrats. David Steel later served as interim leader of the Liberal Democrats (jointly with Bob Maclennan of the SDP) for the duration of the 1988 leadership election which eventually elected Paddy Ashdown as the new party's first permanent leader. 1976 Liberal Party (UK) leadership election The 1976 Liberal Party (UK) leadership election was called following the resignation of Jeremy Thorpe
British Columbia Liberal Party leadership election, 2018 Subsequently endorsed: Mike de Jong<br> Reason: Bernier withdrew citing an inability to amass support in the Lower Mainland. Supported de Jong based on de Jong's experience. Lucy Sager is a businesswoman who lives in Terrace.<br> Date candidacy declared: September 20, 2017<br> Campaign website: Official Website<br> Date withdrawn: November 2, 2017<br> Subsequently endorsed: Dianne Watts<br> Reason: Sager withdrew citing her belief that Watts would give the best chance to defeat the NDP. British Columbia Liberal Party leadership election, 2018 A British Columbia Liberal Party leadership election was held on February 3, 2018, due to the resignation of Christy Clark as Liberal