Tim Farron news - Lib Dem leader resigns paving way for leadership race
Mr Farron said it has felt "impossible" to be Lib Dem leader while also "living as a faithful Christian". He said he wants "to remain faithful to Christ" but will remain a loyal supporter of the party. In his resignation to statement to staff he said: "From the very first day of my leadership, I have faced questions about my Christian faith.
PA Tim Farron resigned today in a shocking announcement
"I've tried to answer with grace and patience. Sometimes my answers could have been wiser. At the start of this election, I found myself under scrutiny again - asked about matters to do with my faith. "I felt guilty that this focus was distracting attention from our campaign, obscuring our message. Now many have already begun to speculate over who could replace Mr Farron as the lib Dem leader.
GETTY Sir Vince Cable could take on Tim Farron's job
Sir Vince Cable has already been mooted by many as the best candidate for the job. He regained his Twickenham seat this year after losing it just two years before in anger over his role in the Tory-Lib Dem coalition. The veteran Liberal Democrat politician had held the constituency since 1997, but was beaten by Tory Dr Tania Mathias in 2015. And many have now suggested he take up the mantle and announce his candidacy to be the next leader. Cheryl Hall tweeted: “Vince Cable is clearly going to be the new party leader as can anyone else name a lib dem MP?” Barry Heath said: “So Farron has gone, let's see that now leaves Vince Cable a clear run. “Will he give Theresa May the majority she needs and craves?” Gareth added: “Time for mahogany vampire's-grandpa Vince Cable to step up and be the boss…”
GETTY Jo Swinson is also a popular candidate to become the Lib Dem leader
East Dunbartonshire MP Jo Swinson could also take the top job. First elected at the 2005 general election, the37-year-old served until her seat was snatched by John Nicolson of the SNP in 2015. But this year, she regained the seat in a triumphant victory - one of many for the party was saw its number of seats increase to 12 on June 8.
GETTY Simon Hughes has tried to stand as leader before
While Simon Hughes, who served as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats from 2010 to 2014, is also tipped for the leadership job. Having twice run unsuccessfully for the leadership of the party, he was also its unsuccessful candidate for Mayor of London in the 2004 election.
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