Liberal Democrats deputy leadership election, 2010

Liberal Democrats deputy leadership election

9 June 2010

Candidate Simon Hughes Tim Farron Party Liberal Democrat Liberal Democrat Popular vote 38 18

Deputy Leader before election Vince Cable Elected Deputy Leader Simon Hughes

The 2010 Liberal Democrats deputy leadership election began on 26 May 2010, when the sitting Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable, announced his resignation following his appointment as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills in the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government.^[1] Nominations closed on 2 June, and the balloting took place on 9 June.^[2] The election was won by Simon Hughes.

Candidates

• Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, announced on 27 May 2010 that he would run for the election with the support of former party leader Sir Menzies Campbell.^[3]
• Simon Hughes, MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark and former Party President, announced his intention to stand on 28 May 2010. He has been supported by former Deputy Leader Vince Cable.^[4]

Hughes was, from the start reportedly leading in the election,^[5] having reportedly secured the support of at least 29 Lib Dem MPs.^[6] Not all MPs publicly declared their support for either candidate; of those Farron had the support of 11 and Hughes 21.^[7] Both candidates were former members of the Lib Dem Front Bench, but neither received a position in the coalition government.

Result

Deputy Leadership Election - Result[8]
Candidate		Votes	%
	Simon Hughes	38	67.9
	Tim Farron	18	32.1
Turnout		56	98.2%

References

1. "Vince Cable stands down as Lib Dem deputy leader". BBC News. 26 May 2010.
2. Patrick Wintour, political editor (28 May 2010). "Simon Hughes fights to keep leftwing identity for Liberal Democrats". London: Guardian. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
3. "Lib Dem deputy leader contest: Tim Farron to stand". BBC News. 27 May 2010.
4. "Simon Hughes standing for Lib Dem deputy". BBC News. 28 May 2010.
5. "Hughes 'leading' in Lib Dem deputy race". Politics.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
6. "Lib Dem deputy leader contest: Nominations close". BBC News. 2 June 2010. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
7. "Deputy Leadership contest: how the MPs stack up". Libdemvoice.org. 2010-05-28. Retrieved 2010-06-10.
8. "Simon Hughes elected Lib Dem deputy leader". BBC News. 9 June 2010. Retrieved 2010-06-10.