LIB Dem leadership hopeful Tim Farron MP has been formally nominated as a candidate for the next leader of the party - with more than double the required nominations.

More than 400 party members put their names forward meaning that before nominations close at 4pm today (Wednesday, June 3) Tim can announce that he is officially in the running to become party leader.

In an open letter, 110 Lib Dems pledged their support to the Westmorland and Lonsdale MP by writing: "Only the Liberal Democrats can provide that voice, but to do so effectively we need as our next leader someone who is not only a committed liberal, but who is also an outstanding campaigner and an inspirational leader, who will ensure the liberal case is heard loud and clear.

"Somebody who reconnects the Liberal Democrats with the public. We believe the person who best fits that description as we start the task of rebuilding our party is Tim Farron."

Tim said: “I am deeply honoured to have been nominated by so many colleagues to stand to be the next leader of our party. I will continue to try and run a positive and outward looking campaign.

“My campaign message is clear – we need to rebuild the party from the grassroots, campaign on the issues that matter – human rights, the environment, building a new economy and a fairer and more equal society. 

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“I believe we must reach out to the millions of people who are liberal in outlook and turn them into Liberal Democrats.”