The results of the leadership contest for the Liberal Democrats are in and Tim Farron MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale has emerged victorious. Lorraine Johnson the Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for South Derbyshire who supported Tim's campaign for the leadership, explains why this is good news.

"Tim is a grassroots campaigner and has the energy and experience to rebuild us from the bottom up. He came from a less well-off background; he grew up in a single parent family in Preston. He knows that things like poverty and poor housing affect people's freedom and he has the guts to stand up on the important issues and tell it like it is.

"The first time I met Tim he spoke with such passion & conviction, he brought a lump to my throat & a tear to my eye & I knew I was looking at a future Party Leader

"The fightback has begun. We are already making by-election gains in councils across the country, with two just last night. I want to see that happening here in South Derbyshire. We have many new members who realise what a tempering influence we had in Coalition & that a Liberal voice is still needed "

In his speech yesterday Tim said

"if you care about Human Rights join us. if you don't want your emails snooped on join us. If you think everyone deserves a decent home join us. If you think it's wrong to demonise immigrants, the young, the poor, foreigners, Brussels, the English, the Scots join us. If you're fed up with self-satisfied politicians ambitious for themselves and unambitious for their country, then guess what? You are a Liberal. Embrace that Diagnosis. Join us today. "

"I can't wait to see the results of this call to arms"

Follow me on:

Twitter @LorraineJohnson

Facebook Lorraine Johnson Liberal Democrat

Phone Derby Lib Dems 01332 599995