Jo Swinson elected as Lib Dems new Leader
Jo Swinson elected as new Liberal DemocRAt Party Leader.
Following one of the cleanest, respectful and positive political party leadership elections, Jo Swinson MP was declared the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats.
The Scottish MP for East Dunbartonshire and former Business Department minister topped the poll of members in the election to succeed Sir Vince Cable as Party Leader and becomes the party's first women leader.
Jo secured almost 48,000 votes (63%) in a election turnout of 72% with Sir Ed Davey recording 28,021.
Jo Swinson said: "I want to thank every member who has engaged with this campaign. Everyone who came to a hustings meeting, emailed a question to Ed or to me, posted onto social media or caught up with us on visits - thank you.
There is a golden opportunity ahead of our party now. I have been so excited to see all the new members coming to hustings meetings, hearing their questions, thoughts and ideas. We have a unique offer and vision for the country and people are open to our message. We can continue this growth and build our movement further together. We can stop Brexit and compete to win a General Election.
This campaign has reminded me of how strong our party can be. We have such a range of skilled, talented people working around the country. We still need to do more to harness the incredible knowledge and expertise that we have in our members and supporters. I've been really buoyed up by seeing so many local success stories everywhere we have been. I know the new members I have met are going to be adding to those success stories soon too.
This campaign has shown the best of our party. Reasoned, respectful debate. What a contrast to the Conservative election! This campaign has made me proud to be a Liberal Democrat. Thank you all".
In her thanks to departing Leader Sir Vince Cable Jo said: " iIwant to thank Vince Cable for all that he has done as our Leader over the last two years. He has been the voice of reason in unreasonable times & led our party to our best ever local & European election results. Thank you, Vince.
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