Opik steps down as leader

Mr Opik, who is expected to stand for party president next year, said he wanted to focus his attention on constituency work.

He made the shock announcement at the Welsh Lib Dems' autumn conference in Aberystwyth.

Mr Opik said: "This will also give me more time to continue working to my very best ability for my Montgomeryshire constituency."

He also told party delegates about the "unpleasant" experience of reading "inaccurate, salacious and libellous" press reports about his private life.

He said he had been advised not to complain about false stories about his relationship with Cheeky Girl Gabriela Irimia.

Mr Opik said: "With hindsight, I'm not sure this was the best approach."

He thanked Miss Irimia, who listened to his speech from the front row of the conference hall, for "putting up with all the rubbish and misrepresentations".

Mr Opik said the Lib Dems made a mistake in May when they tried to pursue two sets of Assembly coalition talks - with Labour on the one hand and with Plaid Cymru and the Tories on the other.

The Lib Dems ended up in opposition when they were frozen out of all negotiations because of a split among party chiefs.

Current leader of the Welsh Assembly Lib Dems Mike German AM has announced he wants to continue leading the party for another year.