Party backs Opik after 'pursuit'

Sian Lloyd, Lembit Opik's former fiance, married two months ago

MP Lembit Opik's local party officials say they cannot understand why his former fiance, ITV weather presenter Sian Lloyd, is "pursuing" him.

Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats spoke after the publication of extracts from her book on her relationship with him.

Party officials said they hoped people would be sympathetic to the MP, given the "intensity" of her interest in him.

The Lib Dem housing spokesman has said he is taking legal advice on the Mail on Sunday article based on her book.

Mr Opik and Ms Lloyd became a couple in 2002, were engaged in 2004, and announced that they would marry in 2005, but their separation was confirmed the following year.

Two months ago Ms Lloyd married motor racing entrepreneur Jonathan Ashman in the Gwynedd village of Portmeirion, and her book, A Funny Kind of Love, will be published in April.

Miss Lloyd has also married the millionaire Mr Jonathan Ashman in that time... it is therefore difficult to understand Miss Lloyd's motives for pursuing Mr Opik in this way Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats

The MP, who speaks for his party on housing, is now dating Gabriela Irimia, of the pop duo The Cheeky Girls.

In a statement, his local party said: "In reference to Sian Lloyd's latest comments about Lembit Opik in the newspapers, he is not at this stage willing to make any specific comment about it until he has taken legal advice over the matter.

"However, it should be noted that it is over one year since Miss Lloyd decided to end her relationship with Mr Opik.

"Miss Lloyd has also married the millionaire Mr Jonathan Ashman in that time. It is therefore difficult to understand Miss Lloyd's motives for pursuing Mr Opik in this way.

"Clearly, Mr Opik has not responded in like kind and this is very much to Lembit's credit.

"One would hope the public will take a similar and sympathetic view given the extent and intensity of Sian Lloyd's continuing interest in Mr Opik."

Mr Opik declined to comment on the article during an interview on Sunday with Sky TV presenter Adam Boulton.

"One would hope the public will take a similar and sympathetic view given the extent and intensity of Sian Lloyd's continuing interest in Mr Opik."

Mr Opik has represented his mid Wales seat since 1997, and he holds it with a 7,173 majority.

Ms Lloyd has been asked to comment.

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