New Lib Dem Leader 'New Beginning'

Tim Farron has been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Democrats.

The 45 year old is the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, in Cumbria, and was party president from 2011 to 2014. In the past he has voted in favour of the bedroom tax, and against raising welfare benefits. He also voted against the introduction of tuition fees, and against the rise to £9000 in 2010.

He has been a member of the Liberal Democrats since the age of 16. Recently, he was criticised for saying the party deserved only two out of 10 for its performance in government.

The party's Scottish leader, Willie Rennie, said: 

"With Tim Farron the liberal force in our country has a dynamic, thoughtful and eloquent leader. I backed him because he is best placed to lead the Liberal Democrats back to recovery. And I am delighted he won against such a talented opponent in Norman Lamb.

"A new beginning for the Liberal Democrats means regaining trust, speaking up for liberalism and winning again. With Tim as leader we will make the case for a tolerant, compassionate, outward looking country that rejects isolation and division and works to deliver opportunity for all."