Tim Farron congratulates Hughes on Deputy Leadership win

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has today congratulated Simon Hughes after he won the Deputy Leadership of the Liberal Democrats last night. Tim, who also ran in the election, received support from a third of the parliamentary party and received the votes of the majority of the MP's who attended last nights final hustings before the deputy leadership vote.

Tim said, "I want to congratulate Simon on winning the post last night. He is a great friend of mine and an inspirational campaigner. He has been a mentor to me over many years.

As a party we need to keep our distinctive voice and make sure that our policies on fairness and protecting the less well off are brought to fruition.

"I will now get back to doing the job I love which is being the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale and I will continue to fight our corner for better health services, more affordable homes and better paid jobs. This is what I have always done and what I will continue to do."