The LibDem leadership contest ended at 1pm today, following weeks of campaigning and hustings by the two contenders Sir Ed Davey and Jo Swinson. Both were vying to succeed Vince Cable the outgoing leader.
The results of the contest announced by Sal Brinton, the party President just after 4.20pm is as follows:
Jo Swinson 47,997 (62%)
Ed Davey 28,021 (38%)
So, with a larger than expected margin, Jo Swinson becomes the party’s first female leader. It has been a long time coming and I am pleased for Jo and for the party as a whole.
The thought just popped into my head that for just a few hours, the main parliamentary parties bar one, are now led my women! History indeed has been made today.
In reading out the results, Sal Brinton said that 106,075 ballots were sent out and 76,429 votes cast, giving a 72% turnout. This is a record number of members voting, equalling the previous record when Menzies Campbell became party leader.
Jo Swinson gave a cracking acceptance speech, first paying tribute to Ed Davey saying:
“I want to pay tribute to Ed for giving us the robust but friendly contest our members deserve. Ed is a great friend and a superb politician, and will have a crucial role to play in our team.”
She also paid tribute to the outgoing leader Vince Cable, saying:
” I also want to thank Vince Cable for the leadership he showed in taking our clear stop Brexit message to voters, which led to our best ever set of local and European election results.
Jo finished her speech by saying – I am ready to take our party into a general election and win it. In effect presenting herself as a future Prime Minister. I like it!
Go Jo! The party is behind you.