This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32981555

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Lib Dem leadership campaign begins as ballot closes Lib Dem leadership campaign begins as ballot closes
(35 minutes later)
The ballot for the Liberal Democrat leadership has closed, with Nick Clegg's successor to be elected on 13 July. Nominations for the next Liberal Democrat leadership have closed, with former party president Tim Farron and ex-health minister Norman Lamb the two candidates in the running.
Former party president Tim Farron and ex-health minister Norman Lamb are the two candidates in the running. The party's 61,000 members will be eligible to cast their votes under an alternative vote system.
Party members will cast their votes under an alternative vote system. Ballot papers will be sent on 24 June with the result announced on 16 July.
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. The contest has been sparked by Nick Clegg's resignation in wake of the Lib Dems crushing electoral defeat.
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.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.
They also need the endorsement of 200 members from at least 20 local party organisation.They also need the endorsement of 200 members from at least 20 local party organisation.
'Deeply honoured''Deeply honoured'
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.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.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".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, Mr Lamb, said the party had to connect with the "many people who share our liberal values, but don't identify themselves as Liberal Democrats".The other contender, Mr Lamb, said the party had to connect with the "many people who share our liberal values, but don't identify themselves as Liberal Democrats".
The Norfolk North MP said he wanted the party to be a "consistent and clear voice" standing up a liberal society which values equal opportunities, diversity and giving people control over decisions that affect their lives.The Norfolk North MP said he wanted the party to be a "consistent and clear voice" standing up a liberal society which values equal opportunities, diversity and giving people control over decisions that affect their lives.
The winner of the contest will be announced on 16 July.The winner of the contest will be announced on 16 July.