Nick Clegg elected new Lib Dem leader

3.15.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 18th Dec 2007

Nick Clegg will be a great Leader of the Liberal Democrats

It was a close run thing but Nick Clegg has been elected as the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats. Chris Huhne, who last the race, once again proved he is a tremendous campaigner. Chris was very generous in his praise when the result was announced and he will have a big part to play in Liberal Democrats' future progress.

Nick Clegg will be a great Leader of the Liberal Democrats and he will reach out to the millions of tolerant, fair minded Britons who share our liberal values but have never yet voted for us.

Unlike the Labour Party, who gave Gordon Brown a coronation and are already regretting it, Liberal Democrats had a vibrant contest, with the leadership contenders travelling all round the country, setting out their ideas and listening to the views and suggestions of party members. The Liberal Democrats showed once again that they are the most open and democratic party in British politics.