Until that point, Mr Ashdown had adopted a policy of equidistance between Labour and the Tories, but subsequently he nudged his way little by little towards Labour. He also leaves his party before winning his battle to shift the British electoral system away from first past the post to a proportional representation system which would significantly push up his party's share of Commons seats. He has seen the Jenkins commission propose a move to PR, but has failed to get a commitment beyond supportive noises from Mr Blair on when a referendum on electoral change will be held. Mr Ashdown will step down as party leader after the June European elections, and retire as MP for Yeovil at the next general election, but his restless energy is unlikely to be satisfied solely by more time spent at his house in France and with his baby grandson. Some speculate that his breadth of private sector and international expertise could open doors to the business world, perhaps as a non-executive company director, or to jobs in Nato, Europe or the United Nations.
Activity is certain, however.