2015 Liberal Democrats leadership election

UK political party leadership election April 2022 2015 Liberal Democrats leadership election presidential no 2007 Liberal Democrats leadership election 2007 2017 Liberal Democrats leadership election 2017 2015 05 08 2015 07 16 yes 56.0% (8.1%) Tim Farron election infoboxes.jpg 160x160px Tim Farron 19,137 56.5% Official portrait of Norman Lamb crop 2.jpg 160x160px Norman Lamb 14,760 43.5% Leader Nick Clegg Tim Farron The 2015 Liberal Democrats leadership election was held on 16 July 2015 following the resignation of Nick Clegg as leader on 8 May 2015, after almost eight years as leader of the Liberal Democrats, following the party's poor performance at the 2015 general election. The result was announced on 16 July 2015 with Tim Farron winning by a margin of 13%.BBC News Online https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-33545779 Tim Farron is new Lib Dem leader 16 July 2015 16 July 2015 Background In the 2015 general election, the Liberal Democrats lost 49 seats, reducing the party to eight seats in the House of Commons.https://www.bbc.com/news/election-2015-32633462 Election results: Nick Clegg resigns after Lib Dem losses Bbc.com 2015-05-08 2015-05-16 BBC News Many prominent party leaders and veteran MPs lost bids for re-election, including Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander; Business Secretary and former interim leader Vince Cable; Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey; Charles Kennedy, who had been party leader from 1999 to 2006 and had been a member of Parliament for 32 years; and former deputy party leader Simon Hughes, who had also served in Parliament for 32 years. Individuals who had served as ministers Jo Swinson, Lynne Featherstone, Paul Burstow and Jenny Willott were also among the Lib Dem MPs who lost their seats. Nick Clegg, the party's leader and Deputy Prime Minister in the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government of 2010 to 2015, was re-elected in his Sheffield constituency, but resigned as party leader the morning after the election. In an emotional speech, he stated: "I must take responsibility and therefore I announce that I will be resigning as leader of the Liberal Democrats."https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/election-2015-32653735 Election results: Nick Clegg resigns as Liberal Democrat leader Bbc.co.uk 2015-05-08 2015-05-16 Under the rules of the Liberal Democrat parliamentary party, the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats serves as an interim leader for the Liberal Democrats until a new leader can be elected. However, this position had been vacant since the election due to the retirement of Malcolm Bruce. The party president, Sal Brinton, a member of the House of Lords, was the de facto interim leader.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/every-major-british-political-party--except-the-conservatives--currently-led-by-a-woman-10238390.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/every-major-british-political-party--except-the-conservatives--currently-led-by-a-woman-10238390.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Every major British political party – except the Conservatives – currently led by a woman – UK Politics – UK Independent.co.k 2015-05-09 2015-05-16 Following the election, the party experienced a surge in membership; Adam Lusher https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/lib-dem-membership-numbers-soar-despite-the-partys-woeful-election-performance-10256601.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/lib-dem-membership-numbers-soar-despite-the-partys-woeful-election-performance-10256601.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Liberal Democrat membership numbers soar despite the party's woeful election performance – UK Politics – UK Independent.co.k 2015-05-17 2015-05-24 61,000 party members were entitled to vote, including over 16,500 new members who had joined before the close of nominations for the leadership.http://www.libdems.org.uk/lib-dem-leadership-nominations-close Lib Dem leadership nominations close Liberal Democrats Election rules The timetable for a leadership election was determined by the party's Federal Executive, under Article 10.4 of the Liberal Democrat constitution,https://www.libdems.org.uk/constitution Our Constitution Libdems.org.uk 2014-02-14 2015-05-16 and a meeting was held to discuss this on 9 May 2015.Mark Leftly https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/tim-farron-secures-frontrunner-status-in-bid-to-become-lib-dem-leader-10238916.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/tim-farron-secures-frontrunner-status-in-bid-to-become-lib-dem-leader-10238916.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Tim Farron secures frontrunner status in bid to become Lib Dem leader – General Election 2015 – UK Politics Independent.co.uk 2015-05-09 2015-05-16 Liberal Democrat leadership elections use the alternative vote (instant-runoff) system, the single-winner version of the single transferable vote. However, as only two candidates stood, it effectively became a simple plurality vote with all Liberal Democrat party members being entitled to vote under a "one member, one vote" system. Article 10.5 of the Liberal Democrat constitution requires that any candidate wishing to stand must be a Member of Parliament and must have the support of: "at least ten percent of other members of the Parliamentary Party in the House of Commons" (i.e. one other MP at present); and "[be] supported by 200 members in aggregate in not less than 20 Local Parties" The election itself was overseen by Electoral Reform Services,davegoddardsk2 Dave Goddard. 614507524826529796 26 June 2015 @cmrwdk @trevdick @timfarron And two more from Lord and Lady Goddard of Stockport.https://twitter.com/IcyApril/status/615204526375759872 Junade TwitterJanuary 2018 yes TweetCiteBot the commercial arm of the Electoral Reform Society. Timeline 7 May 2015 General election. Liberal Democrats return 8 MPs, down from 57 MPs in the 2010 election. 8 May 2015 Nick Clegg resigns as Liberal Democrat leader. 9 May 2015 Election timetable agreed by the Federal Executive. 13 May 2015 Nominations open. 3 June 2015 Nominations close. 24 June 2015 Ballot papers go out 15 July 2015 Voting closes. 16 July 2015 Result announced. Candidates Declined Tom Brake, former Deputy Leader of the House of Commons and MP for Carshalton and WallingtonSunday Politics, BBC1, 10 May 2015 Alistair Carmichael, Deputy Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, former Secretary of State for Scotland and MP for Orkney and ShetlandDavid Maddox http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/alistair-carmichael-won-t-succeed-nick-clegg-1-3768478 Alistair Carmichael 'won't succeed Nick Clegg' Scotsman.com 2015-05-10 2015-05-16http://news.stv.tv/scotland-decides/312106-alistair-carmichael-rules-out-liberal-democrats-leadership-bid/ Alistair Carmichael rules out Liberal Democrats leadership bid | Scotland Decides News.stv.tv 2015-02-28 2015-05-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518090729/http://news.stv.tv/scotland-decides/312106-alistair-carmichael-rules-out-liberal-democrats-leadership-bid/ 2015-05-18 dead Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North Westhttp://www.itv.com/news/calendar/update/2015-05-08/greg-mulholland-rules-himself-out-of-lib-dem-leadership-contest/ Greg Mulholland rules himself out of Lib Dem leadership contest | Calendar – ITV News Itv.com 2015-05-08 2015-05-16 John Pugh, MP for Southporthttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32661668 Who will replace Nick Clegg as Liberal Democrat leader? - BBC News Bbc.co.uk 2015-05-11 2015-05-16 BBC News Mark Williams, MP for Ceredigion Declared CandidateBornSeatLast positionsCampaign CoordinatorMPs' and MEPs' endorsements160x160pxTim Farron27 May 1970(age 45)MP for Westmorland and Lonsdalehttps://www.bbc.com/news/election-2015-32732772 Liberal Democrat leadership: Tim Farron confirms his bid Bbc.com 2015-05-14 2015-05-16 BBC News President of the Liberal Democrats (2011–2015)Foreign Affairs spokesman (2015)Greg Mulholland5 9 Liberal Democrats (UK)Greg Mulhollandhttp://www.tim2lead.com/support-tim/ Support Tim | Tim Farron Tim2lead.com 2015-05-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20150517013745/http://www.tim2lead.com/support-tim/ 2015-05-17 dead John PughBBC Radio 4, "Today Programme", 13 May 2015Mark WilliamsFrances Perraudin https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/11/welsh-and-scottish-lib-dems-back-tim-farron-to-replace-nick-clegg Welsh and Scottish Lib Dem leaders back Tim Farron to replace Nick Clegg | Politics Theguardian.com 2015-05-16Catherine Bearderhttps://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jun/01/lib-dem-leadership-norman-lamb-cannabis-legalisation Lib Dem leadership candidate Norman Lamb calls for cannabis legalisation Frances Perraudin The Guardian160x160pxNorman Lamb16 September 1957 (age 57)MP for North Norfolkhttp://www.itv.com/news/update/2015-05-11/norman-lamb-confirms-he-will-stand-for-lib-dem-leader/ Norman Lamb considers standing for Lib Dem leadership – ITV News Itv.com 2015-05-11 2015-05-16 Minister of State for Care and Support (2012–2015)Minister of State for Employment Relations (2012)Health spokesmanLynne Featherstone2 9 Liberal Democrats (UK)Tom Brakehttp://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/12943194.I_won_t_stand_as_leader_but_I_back_Norman_Lamb_says_Tom_Brake/ I won't stand as leader but I back Norman Lamb says Tom Brake (From Your Local Guardian) Yourlocalguardian.co.uk 2015-05-16 Other endorsements Tim Farron Peers: Lord Carlile, Lord Cotter,https://www.markpack.org.uk/132585/libdem-leadership-2015-endorsements/ Lib Dem leadership endorsements: see who (ex)MPs back Mark Pack 2015-06-04 Lady Hussein-Ece, Lord Macdonald of River Glaven, Baroness Maddock (former President of the Liberal Democrats), Lord Palmer of Childs Hill, Lord Palumbo, Lord Paddick, Lord Steel (former Leader of the Liberal Party), Lord Strasburger, Lord Taylor of Goss Moor. MSPs: Jim Hume MSP, Willie Rennie MSP (Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats). Welsh AMs: Peter Black AM, William Powell AM, Kirsty Williams AM (Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats). London AMs: Stephen Knight AM. Former MPs: Sir Alan Beith (former Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats),http://www.itv.com/news/border/update/2015-05-22/sir-alan-beith-endorses-tim-farrons-leadership-bid/ Sir Alan Beith endorses Tim Farron's leadership bid ITV News 2015-05-24 Duncan Hames,https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-32726181 Politics Live – 14 May – BBC News Bbc.co.uk 2015-05-16 Martin Horwood, David Howarth, Simon Hughes (former Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats),https://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/8283/ Simon Hughes endorses Tim Farron's Lib Dem leadership bid london-se1.co.uk 2015-05-24 Paul Keetch, John Leech,johnleechmcr John Leech 598838944898355200 14 May 2015 And Tim has my full support #tim2win Jo Swinson, Sarah Teather. Former MEPs: Fiona Hall. Others: The Guardian,https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/03/guardian-view-on-new-lib-dem-leader-tim-farron The Guardian view on a new Lib Dem leader: he must be hi-vis. That means Tim Farron 3 July 2015 3 July 2015 The Guardian The Independent,https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/the-right-man-for-the-job-britain-needs-a-party-devoted-to-liberalism--tim-farron-is-best-placed-to-build-it-10359305.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/the-right-man-for-the-job-britain-needs-a-party-devoted-to-liberalism--tim-farron-is-best-placed-to-build-it-10359305.html 1 May 2022 subscription The right man for the job: Britain needs a party devoted to liberalism - Tim Farron is best placed to build it 1 July 2015 25 July 2016 The Independent New Statesman.http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2015/06/ns-leader-why-were-endorsing-tim-farron-liberal-democrat-leadership The NS Leader: Why We're Endorsing Tim Farron for the Liberal Democrat Leadership New Statesman 2015-06-10 Norman Lamb Peers: Lord Addington, Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon,paddyashdown Paddy Ashdown 613728121532063748 24 June 2015 Like many #libdems i've found it hard to choose from 2 great Leader candidates. But now decision time. I've told Norman I will vote for him Baroness Barker, Baroness Bonham-Carter, Baroness Doocey, Lady Falkner, Baroness Garden, Baroness Grender,OllyGrender Olly Grender 598857202561064960 14 May 2015 I'm backing @NormanLamb to become leader of the Liberal Democrats and help put power back in the hands of individuals Baroness Hamwee, Baroness Jolly, Baroness Kramer, Baroness Ludford,http://backnorman.co.uk/index.php/endorsements/ Why we're backing Norman – Back Norman Back Norman Baroness Northover, Baroness Parminter, Baroness Suttie, Lord Tyler, Baroness Walmsley, Baroness Williams of Crosby Former MPs: Norman Baker, Paul Burstow, Ming Campbell (former Leader of the Liberal Democrats), Ed Davey,http://www.surreycomet.co.uk/news/kingston/12965891.Former_MP_Edward_Davey_will_not_rule_out_standing_for_election_again_but_says__I_certainly_wouldn_t_run_against_Zac_Goldsmith__in_North_Kingston/ Ed Davey: I might stand again but against Zac Goldsmith? Certainly not Surrey Comet Lynne Featherstone, Sandra Gidley, Julia Goldsworthy, David Heath, John Hemming, Julian Huppert, Michael Moore (former Secretary of State for Scotland), Tessa Munt, David Laws, Sir Bob Russell, Mike Thornton,Mike4Eastleigh Mike Thornton 609763795435679744 13 June 2015 2 fantastic leadership candidates whoever wins will be great for us but I'm backing Norman. His inspired work on Mental Health changes lives Stephen Williams, Jenny Willotthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3C4ajVXx58 Why Jenny Willott is backing Norman Lamb YouTube 2015-06-11 2019-01-19 Simon Wright. Former MEPs: Andrew Duff. Welsh AMs: Eluned Parrotthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdkFOlLjOKY Why Eluned Parrott is backing Norman Lamb YouTube 2015-06-25 2019-01-19 Others: Frank Bruno (former boxer), Dappy (musician), https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/14/rapper-dappy-backs-norman-lambs-bid-for-leadership-of-lib-dems Rapper Dappy backs Norman Lamb's bid for leadership of Lib Dems Perraudin Frances 14 May 2015 The Guardian 18 May 2015 The Economist.https://www.economist.com/news/britain/21657411-two-starkly-different-futures-liberal-democrats-vie-supremacy-battle The battle for the ruins 11 July 2015 13 July 2015 The Economist Polling and surveys Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferrorframeless|66x66pxTim Farronframeless|67x67pxNorman Lamb Others/Undecided Liberal Democrat Newswirehttp://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=4761a1f83089fd89eba4fef19&id=f798ff7471&e=%5BUNIQID +++ Exclusive poll results of Lib Dem members on Farron vs Lamb campaign-archive1.comhttps://www.markpack.org.uk/133361/liberal-democrat-newswire-68-is-out-final-poll-of-farron-vs-lamb-race/ Liberal Democrat Newswire #69 is out: final poll of Farron vs Lamb race Lib Dem Newswire Pack Mark 14 July 2015 15 August 2016 23 June5 July 2015 629 Lib Dem members ± ?% 58% 42% YouGovhttps://www.markpack.org.uk/132965/exclusive-results-of-poll-of-lib-dem-members-on-leadership-race/ Exclusive: results of poll of Lib Dem members on leadership race Lib Dem Newswire Pack Mark 24 June 2015 15 August 2016 12–24 May 2015 730 Lib Dem members ± ?% 42% 14% 37%Other 8% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferrorframeless|67x67pxAlistairCarmichaelframeless|66x66pxTim Farronframeless|67x67pxNorman Lamb Others/Undecided Survation/The Mail on SundayEsterson Bill https://labourlist.org/2015/05/first-poll-shows-labour-leadership-contest-remains-wide-open/ First poll shows Labour leadership contest remains wide open LabourList.org 2015-05-10 2015-05-16https://survation.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Final-MoS-Post-election-poll-1c0d2h7.pdf Post-Election Poll Survation.com 2015-05-16 8–9 May 2015 70 Lib Dem votersLib Dem Persons who voted Liberal Democrat in 2015 general election. ± 8.0% 13.9% 17.8% 13.3% 55% 1,027 British residentsSurvationResidents Residents over 18 in Great Britain ± 2.1% 7.7% 16.4% 9.5% 66.3% A survey by LibDemVoice.org of self-selecting 1065 members out of 1900+ registered on the forum (out of a total party membership of 57,773) showed Tim Farron on 71%, with 29% preferring Norman Lamb for leader. LibDemVoice do not claim that their survey is representative of the total party membership but they claim they "are the largest independent samples of the views of Lib Dem members across the country, and have in the past offered accurate guides to what party members think."https://www.libdemvoice.org/who-lib-dem-voice-members-think-should-be-the-next-leader-46010.html Who Lib Dem Voice members think should be the next leader Liberal Democrat Voice On the day the results were due, Farron was the bookmakers' favourite.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-33545779 Tim Farron is new Lib Dem leader BBC News Campaign Farron was seen as the candidate of the left of the party, while Lamb was seen as representing the politics of the party's prior involvement in coalition government, although others have argued the candidates' policy differences were minor.http://stephentall.org/2015/06/26/the-orange-booker-case-for-supporting-tim-farron/ The 'Orange Booker' Case for Supporting Tim Farron Tall Stephen 26 June 2015 Stephen Tall 11 June 2017 en-GB Farron's religious beliefs and voting record on abortion and gay rights came under scrutiny.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/03/tim-farron-religion-christian-jewish-muslim Tim Farron: my religion would not be an issue if I were Jewish or Muslim Frances Perraudin The Guardianhttp://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=4761a1f83089fd89eba4fef19&id=f798ff7471&e=%5BUNIQID%5D +++ Exclusive poll results of Lib Dem members on Farron vs Lamb campaign-archive1.com Lamb suspended two members of his campaign team over a survey of party members that broke party rules that highlighted views the Lamb campaign consider "illiberal".https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jun/21/norman-lamb-lib-dem-leadership-suspected-data-breach Norman Lamb's Lib Dem leadership campaign admits to 'negative' polling Rowena Mason The Guardian In comments during the campaign, Tim Farron made reference to rebranding the party, but emphasised that in his view this needed to be more substantial than a simple superficial change: "I think rebranding ourselves, repositioning ourselves is very important. We've got to be absolutely radical about that but 18 months of a constitutional wrangle as we Tipp-Ex out a couple of words and add in another one in the constitution strikes me as a bit of a waste of time."https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32732772 Liberal Democrat leadership: Tim Farron confirms his bid BBC News 2015-05-14 2016-08-03 During the campaign Tim Farron was asked what role former Chief Executive, Chris Rennard, would have under his leadership. He replied, "I have no intention of appointing him to any role in the party."https://www.markpack.org.uk/133285/what-role-would-rennard-have-under-a-new-lib-dem-leader/ What role would Rennard have under a new Lib Dem leader? Markpack.org.uk 2015-07-10 2016-08-03 Questions and answers put to the candidates ALTER ALDES Daisy Cooper Green Liberal Democrats Liberal Reform Libdems for Seekers of Sanctuary Foreign Policy, via Libdem Voice Liberal Democrat Lawyers Result Candidate Votes %Turnout: 56 56.0% Tim Farron 19,137 56.5 200 Liberal Democrats (UK) 56.5 Norman Lamb 14,760 43.5 200 Liberal Democrats (UK) 43.5Total 33,897 56%Based on reported membership of 60,500 - https://www.markpack.org.uk/143767/liberal-democrat-membership-figures/ colspan=2 See also 2017 Liberal Democrats deputy leadership election 2015 Labour Party leadership election (UK) References 30em collapsed Leadership election 2015 Category:2015 political party leadership elections in the United Kingdom