Clegg Wins Liberal Democrat Leadership Election

2.53.00pm GMT Tue 18th Dec 2007

Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Nick Clegg was today elected Leader of the Liberal Democrats. He beat contender Chris Huhne by 20,988 votes to 20,477.

Commenting on the election, Stephen Williams, who supported Clegg, said:

"I am delighted for Nick and delighted for the Party. We now have a young, energetic leader who I am sure will have great appeal right across the country, but in particular in urban seats such as Bristol West."

"The Party needs to make a breakthrough in other big cities, and against the Labour party at the next general election, and Nick is ideally placed to reach out to young people and to those who perhaps consider themselves to be liberal but have not considered voting for us before."

"I look forward to working closely with Nick in Parliament and in Bristol."

Following his election, Nick Clegg said:

"Under my leadership we will be ambitious. Together we can break the stifling two-party system and change Britain for good."