Lib Dems to appoint new leader next month to replace Sir Vince Cable

The Liberal Democrats have opened nominations to replace Sir Vince Cable as party leader.

Sir Vince Cable appears on The Andrew Marr Show

Nominations will close on 7 June, with the announcement of a new leader on 23 July.

In an email to members Sir Vince said: "There are major challenges ahead. One is to win, finally, the battle to stop Brexit. Our campaigning has given hope; now we need to secure a referendum in Parliament, and then win it.

Sir Vince said it was time for a "new generation" at the top of the party, but pointed to expected gains at the European elections as a sign that "we are in an excellent position" to lead a centre-ground movement in British politics.

Deputy leader Jo Swinson is firm favourite to succeed Sir Vince, who announced the start of the contest in an email to party members.

He said membership was at a record level and the party had enjoyed the best local election results in its history.

"There are major challenges ahead. One is to win, finally, the battle to stop Brexit.

"Our campaigning has given hope; now we need to secure a referendum in Parliament, and then win it.

"Another is the opportunity created by the conflict and decay within the two main parties to build a powerful, liberal, green, and social democratic force in the centre ground of British politics.

"We are now in an excellent position to lead such a movement."

The contest will be taking place as the Tories also choose a new leader following Theresa May's decision to resign.