Ed Davey elected Lib Dem Leader

 

Ed Davey has today been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Ed Davey, the MP for Kingston and Surbiton, won the leadership election this morning, receiving 42,756 votes. 

In his acceptance speech he announced his plans to begin rebuilding the party to national relevance and launched a national listening project, stating that for the Party "it is time to start listening".

Speaking at the declaration today, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: 

"I’m determined our Party backs a Britain that works with other countries across the world for peace and prosperity. But it is my love of our party that makes me recognise that we have to change.

"We have to wake up and smell the coffee. Nationally, our party has lost touch with too many voters.

"Yes, we are powerful advocates locally. Our campaigners listen to local people, work hard for communities and deliver results.

"But at the national level, we have to face the facts of three disappointing general election results.

"Nationally, voters have been sending us a message. But we have not been listening.

"It is time for us to start listening. As leader I am telling you: I have got that message. I am listening now."

The voting figures:

Ed Davey 42,756 votes
Layla Moran 24,564 votes

The number of abstentions has not been reported