Liberal Democrats elect Tim Farron as new leader

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

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

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.