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Lib Dem leadership nominations to close Lib Dem leadership campaign begins as ballot closes
(about 14 hours later)
Nominations for the next leader of the Liberal Democrats are to close on Wednesday, with Nick Clegg's successor to be elected in July. The ballot for the Liberal Democrat leadership has closed, with Nick Clegg's successor to be elected on 13 July.
Former party president Tim Farron and ex-health minister Norman Lamb have put themselves forward for the job. Former party president Tim Farron and ex-health minister Norman Lamb are the two candidates in the running.
The contest has been sparked by Mr Clegg's resignation in wake of the the Lib Dems crushing electoral defeat. Party members will cast their votes under an alternative vote system.
The party ended up with just eight MPs, down from 57 in 2010 - with many cabinet ministers losing their seats. The contest has been sparked by Mr Clegg's resignation in wake of the Lib Dems crushing electoral defeat, which left them with just eight MPs.
Mr Farron confirmed his intention to stand in the leadership election in May, saying he believed the party "must be saved". Under party rules, a candidate must win the support of 10% of its MPs - which currently constitutes less than one of them - to get on the ballot.
The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP, who stood down as party president in 2014, said he wanted the Lib Dems to be a "liberal" and "tolerant" force in British politics. They also need the endorsement of 200 members from at least 20 local party organisation.
The other contender, Mr Lamb, has said he wants to work to restore trust in the party "undermined" in recent years. 'Deeply honoured'
The Norfolk North MP, who held his seat with a reduced majority of 4,043, said the general election had been "absolutely punishing" for his party. Mr Farron, who confirmed his intention to stand in the leadership election in May, has reportedly been nominated by more than 400 party members from almost 100 local parties.
The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP, who stood down as party president in 2014, said he was "deeply honoured" to have been nominated.
Mr Farron promised to run a "positive and outward looking campaign" that focused on rebuilding the party from the grassroots up, and issues such as human rights, the environment, and building a "fairer and more equal society".
The other contender in the race, Mr Lamb, has promised to put his "body and soul" into being leader, if he is elected.
The Norfolk North MP has said he wants to work to restore trust in the party "undermined" in recent years.
"It's critically important that we reconnect and... have an effective advocate for what modern liberalism is all about," he said.
The winner of the contest will be announced on 16 July.