Following Nick Clegg’s resignation this morning as the leader of the Liberal Democrats, we take a look at the candidates who are tipped to take over one of the trickiest post in politics.
It’s a tough job to take on, after the Liberal Democrat party’s overwhelming defeat they’re down to just eight seats from the 27 they won in the 2010 election.
It’s a result that Mr Clegg has described as ‘immeasurably more crushing’ than he expected.
So now that the party leader has tearfully stepped down, who’s brave enough to step into his shoes and help regain the Lib Dems’ popularity?
These are the five candidates with the highest bookies’ odds to take over as leader:
Tim Farron 1/5
The bookies’ favourite and former Lib Dem president held onto his Westmorland and Lonsdale seat for a second term, but with a reduced majority vote. When asked about his leadership ambitions at a party conference two years ago, he said ‘never say never’
Norman Lamb 3/1
The Norfolk North MP may be down to a 4,043 majority, but is said to have a personal following in his constituency. He was Nick Clegg’s parliamentary private secretary at the start of the coalition and campaigned for better mental health care.
Alistair Carmichael 12/1
The Scottish Secretary fought off the SNP to retain his Orkney and Shetland, which he has served for nearly two decades. His is the only Lib Dem seat left in Scotland.
Tom Brake 20/1
Representing Carshalton and Wallington for the fifth time, Mr Brake is determined to help the party bounce back, as he told SWL, ‘I know that we are very resilient as a party’.
Tessa Munt 20/1
Despite losing her seat to the Conservative Party in Wells, Ms Munt is still in with a chance of being the first Lib Dem female leader. She’s held 650 constituency surgeries and is known for her outspoken views against fracking.
Image courtesy of the BBC via YouTube, with thanks
