By Anika Bourley Parliamentary Correspondent

Last updated at 14:41, Friday, 28 May 2010

South Lakes MP Tim Farron will stand for deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats after Vince Cable stood aside to focus on his new cabinet job.

Tim Farron

Mr Farron is the first candidate to formally declare, although it is widely expected veteran MP Simon Hughes will also challenge for the position.

Mr Farron, who announced his candidacy yesterday on his 40th birthday said: “My most important job is as the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, the community I have the privilege to both serve and belong to.

“Over the last two years I’ve served as Shadow Secretary of State for Defra and with the new political situation, I’m keen to continue taking a leading role for the Liberal Democrats both locally and nationally.

“I’ve been urged by many colleagues to consider putting my name forward as a candidate for the deputy leader of the Lib Dems.

“I’ve talked this through with my wife Rosie and many friends in the South Lakes and I’ve agreed to stand.

“Whatever happens in the contest in two weeks’ time, I will remain Westmorland’s man in Westminster and never Westminster’s man in Westmorland. Whether or not I’m successful, I hope my candidacy for this senior position will bring greater influence to help strengthen and protect local services in South Lakeland.”

It is thought Mr Farron already has the support of more than a quarter of the Lib Dems’ 57 MPs.

No timetable for the election has been announced by the party and only MPs will be given a vote on who becomes deputy leader.

Mr Cable announced he was quitting on Wednesday to concentrate on his new job as Business Secretary in the coalition Government.

Mr Farron said: “

The Lib Dem MP is firmly on the left of the party.

First published at 12:24, Friday, 28 May 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk