Liberal Democrats elect Tim Farron as new leader

TIM FARRON has been elected to succeed Nick Clegg as leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Tim Farron defeated Norman Lamb to become new leader. Picture: PA

The former party president expectantly defeated Norman Lamb after a vote by around 60,000 party members.

Mr Farron now faces a major rescue job on his hands in the wake of a disastrous election which saw the party lose all but eight of its 57 Commons seats after five years in coalition government with the Conservatives.

The 45-year-old replaces Mr Clegg who stepped down following the election despite the former deputy prime minister keeping his Sheffield Hallam seat.

Mr Farron is MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, a seat which he has held since 2005.