Ashfield and Mansfield Lib Dems have welcomed the election of new Lib Dem Leader Tim Farron. Mr Farron, the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale beat colleague Norman Lamb - 56% to 44%.

Tim Farron MP with Phil Smith, Chair of East Midlands Liberal Democrats and Helen Smith

Philip Smith, Regional Chairman of East Midlands' Lib Dems and Ashfield Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson said, "Tim Farron is an extremely capable MP and somebody ideally suited to lead our Party. He was an excellent President of the Lib Dems and his leadership will galvanise every local party in the East Midlands. It was extremely close and I am hope that Norman Lamb will also play a leading role in the future of our party - he deserves to."

Samantha Deakin, Chair of Ashfield and Mansfield Liberal Democrats said,

"We know Tim Farron very well from a recent visit to Ashfield. He has the energy, enthusiasm to really kickstart the Liberal Democrat fightback."

Deputy Leader of Ashfield Liberal Democrats, Councillor Tom Hollis said,

"The new leader will has an extremely difficult job to play. The recent election results were extremely difficult but I am proud that we put the country before our party. I am sure that people will recognise the part we play in bringing back the country from the brink. In Tim Farron, we have somebody who knows Nottinghamshire extremely well and will lead the fight to ensure that we continue to put residents first."

For further information please call Philip Smith on 07788 210994 or Tom Hollis on 07854 720 602.