Ming Campbell is the New Leader of the Liberal Democrats

3.10.15pm GMT Thu 2nd Mar 2006

New Leader for the Lib-Dems

Ming Campbell has been elected the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats with 48% of the votes in the first round and 58% of the votes in the second round of voting, which saw him defeat closest rival, newcomer Chris Huhne. The overall electoral turnout was 72%.

Campbell has pledged to "ensure that the Liberal Democrats are the party of ideas and inspiration for Britain". His acceptance speech briefly outlined new policy ideas and covered such issues as - tackling poverty in Britain, a greater focus on the environment and green issues and modernising the party. Campbell also said that he looked forward to working with leadership rivals Simon Hughes and Chris Huhne and expressed his belief that, between them, they could take the Liberal Democrats forward into a bright future.