LIBERAL Democrat leadership candidate Tim Farron believes there is 'no room for disagreement' with the only other MP to have so far thrown his hat into the ring for the role.

The 44-year-old was just one of eight of 56 Lib Dem MPs to retain their House of Commons seat in a disastrous election campaign which saw several of the party's most high-profile politicians lose their jobs.

The MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, who won with a 51.5 per cent share of the vote on May 7, is seen as the frontrunner in the race for the top post.

But this week he insisted he would fully support 57-year-old Norman Lamb if he was to emerge victorious.

"We get on very well," said Mr Farron, who is due to appear on BBC1's Question Time from Derby tonight (Thursday). "At the end of the day we only have eight Members of Parliament so there is no room for disagreement. Whichever one wins we need to stay friends and keep talking for the good of the party."

And while Mr Farron has much admiration for the Norfolk North MP, he believes the requirements for the party to build up from the grassroots stands him in good stead.

"He would be a good leader and I would get behind him but I wouldn't be standing if I didn't think that it was a scenario that I need to step up to the plate to," said Mr Farron, who this week said former leader Nick Clegg should take on a top role in the party following the election of a new leader.

"The specific job we are looking at requires rebuilding and inspiration. These are the type of things we did here in Westmorland to win my seat and are part of my skill-set. I feel that for the job ahead for the party I am the best candidate.

"Rosie (Mr Farron's wife) said to me: 'This is not about ambition, this is about duty'."

Ballot papers will be sent to party members on June 24. The result will be declared on July 16.