Freda it appears from what mps and aides are saying that they did stand by him when he was battling the problem early last year, but he had a relapse November just gone and they have had enough of sticking by him. A couple said it would be irresponsible to support him in his state of health.

Personally I think he has no choice but to stand down as the leader or he will be ousted next week in a no confidence vote.

Right or wrong his days are numbered. It will give him the time to try and recover and save his family life. They must have had a hard time lately.