Farron gets double the nominations needed for leadership election

Lib Dem leadership hopeful Tim Farron MP has been formally nominated as a candidate for the next leader of his party by over 400 high profile party members in close to 100 local parties stretching throughout the UK.

Before nominations close at 4pm today, Tim is able to announce that he has gained significantly more signatures than are needed.

Today's news follows Tim securing the support of over 110 Lib Dems who to stood for parliament on 7 May who said that he was best candidate to rebuild the party. In an open letter, they said: 'Only the Liberal Democrats can provide that voice, but to do so effectively we need as our next leader someone who is not only a committed liberal, but who is also an outstanding campaigner and an inspirational leader, who will ensure the liberal case is heard loud and clear. Somebody who reconnects the Liberal Democrats with the public. We believe the person who best fits that description as we start the task of rebuilding our party is Tim Farron.'

Tim has also secured high profile backing from MPs Greg Mulholland, John Pugh and Mark Williams as well as well-known former MPs including Simon Hughes, Jo Swinson, Duncan Hames, Martin Horwood, David Howarth, John Leech, Matthew Taylor, Sarah Teather, Alan Beith and Brian Cotter.

Tim said: "I am deeply honoured to have been nominated by so many colleagues to stand to be the next leader of our party. I will continue to try and run a positive and outward looking campaign.

"My campaign message is clear - we need to rebuild the party from the grassroots, campaign on the issues that matter - human rights, the environment, building a new economy and a fairer and more equal society.

"I believe we must reach out to the millions of people who are liberal in outlook and turn them into Liberal Democrats."