THE public ousting of former Liberal democrat leader, Charles Kennedy, could affect the party's chances of winning seats at this year's local elections in Bolton, council leader, Barbara Ronson fears.

The Liberal Democrat party took over power from Labour after the local elections in 2004,

But Cllr Ronson says they must continue to listen to voters, and respond to what they have to say if they are to maintain their success.

At present there are 21 Lib Dem members of Bolton Council, 20 Labour and 19 Conservative.

Cllr Ronson said she was aware there had been criticism of the way the party went about removing Mr Kennedy amid concerns his drink problem could damage Liberal Democrats electoral chances.

Cllr Ronson said: "I am not taking what has happened lightly. I am listening to what people say to me and taking it on board.

"It is unfortunate how it was dealt with. I was happy with Charles' leadership because locally we made great progress during it," Cllr Ronson said.

"But it got to the point where it would have been difficult for him to stay.

"I don't think Charles Kennedy would have been the first alcoholic leader in history or the last."

She is now looking forward to playing her part in electing a new leader. And Cllr Ronson much prefers a traditional battle between would-be leaders, rather than the "coronation" of the current front runner Sir Menzies Campbell which had been suggested as a way forward.

Cllr Ronson said: "It gives the party an opportunity to examine the direction it should take in future and for grass roots members to have their say.

"We have to look at where we are going. It doesn't do any harm for a party to be brought up short and made to look at where they are going.

"I don't think we should crawl off into a corner and abandon principles just because of wanting to get elected."

To date, only Mark Oaten, the Lib Dem home affairs spokesman has announced his intention to run for leader. Simon Hughes, the party president was expected to announce his candidacy today. Mrs Ronson says she has not decided who she will vote for and is expecting more candidates to throw their hats into the ring.

l The Bolton Council elections take place on May 4 when a third of the 60 seats will be fought.