Jo Swinson becomes Liberal Democrat leader

Jo Swinson has become the new leader of the Liberal Democrats, beating leadership contender Sir Ed Davey by a margin of almost 20,000 votes.

The 39-year-old East Dumbartonshire MP, who has become the party’s first female leader, said she felt “delighted, honoured and absolutely over the moon” to take over from Sir Vince Cable.

She won 47,900 votes, equivalent to 63 per cent of the total vote. Davey won 28,021 votes.

Speaking as the results were announced in London, Swinson declared that her party’s showing in recent EU elections showed that “liberalism is alive and thriving” and that she would commit herself to “the bigger, open movement our country so desperately needs.”

She said: “There are those out there who think that liberalism has had its day, that it is somehow obsolete, but when I think of all the amazing people I met on the campaign trail and when I look around this room, I can feel the energy, the passion and the determination to fight for our values. Liberalism is alive and thriving.

“In the face of nationalism, populism and the catastrophe of Brexit, the two old parties have failed. Our party has been clear on Brexit from day one. We believe the UK’s best future is as members of the European Union, and that’s why as your leader, I will do whatever it takes to stop Brexit.”

During her acceptance speech in London, Swinson thanked her predecessor, Vince Cable, and paid tribute to the memories of two former party leaders, Charles Kennedy and Paddy Ashdown.

Commenting on Swinson’s election as party leader Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Willie Rennie said: “Jo Swinson is the fresh, positive new leader who will take the Liberal Democrats to greater heights by reaching out to new groups of voters and building on the success of recent elections.

“Jo provides a stark contrast between the indecisive Jeremy Corbyn and chaotic Boris Johnson and will lead the country away from the forces of populism and nationalism.

by Kate Shannon

Jo Swinson elected deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats

“Jo is not tribal and will work with others to stop Brexit, stop independence and build a country that is richer, cleaner and greener.”