Letter from Tim Farron

I said yesterday I'd update you as more results came in.

This morning I can tell you we are the only party to gain seats and win a council.

I can tell you that in Watford our outstanding team led by Dorothy Thornhill wiped out the Tories. Completely. Against them and Labour we gained seven seats and won control of the council. The future of Watford's communities is so much brighter now.

When I spoke to Kirsty Williams yesterday she told me that after eight years of fighting hard for Wales, she feels it is now time to pass the mantle of leading the Welsh Liberal Democrats on.

Wales is a better place because of Kirsty's leadership and record - achievements like the Nurses Bill and Kirsty's exceptional work in Brecon and Radnorshire from where I know she will continue to shape our party's future.

Last night we finally got London's results. I'm so pleased to see Caroline re-elected to the Assembly. She and all our talented London candidates and campaigners fought a brilliant campaign. I hope we have the chance to see more Liberal Democrats in City Hall some day soon.

We won in Sunderland, Manchester and Knowsley - the first seats on these councils. We gained seats in Hull, Maidstone, and South Cambridgeshire. Five seats in Cheltenham. All eight of our seats in Three Rivers and 13 in Eastleigh. An exceptional Liverpool campaign won us second place in their mayoral contest.

Almost everywhere we have stepped forward, whether we started out with a foothold or not.

Whatever way you made a difference this week, know that you made it count for the Liberal Democrats. You have helped us create a better future for communities across Britain.

Thank you,
Tim

Tim Farron MP
Leader of the Liberal Democrats