Jo Swinson has been announced as the new leader of the Liberal Democrats.

She said she was ‘honoured’ and ‘over the moon’ to be elected the first woman to lead the Lib Dems in a poll of party members.

‘There are those out there who think liberalism is obsolete,’ she said. ‘But I can feel the passion and determination to fight for our values. Liberalism is alive and thriving.

‘We believe the UK’s best future is as member of the European Union. I will do whatever it takes to stop Brexit.’

Former ministers Jo Swinson and Ed Davey battled it out to take the reins of the pro-Remain party following Sir Vince Cable’s decision earlier this year to stand down.

East Dunbartonshire MP Ms Swinson was the bookmakers’ favourite in the race and has served as Sir Vince’s deputy since June 2017.

Kingston and Surbiton MP Sir Ed served as energy secretary in the coalition government under David Cameron.

The party has 12 MPs – bolstered by Chuka Umunna’s decision to join last month – and came second in the European elections, winning 20% of the vote share.

The Lib Dems also enjoyed a surge at the local elections in response to their anti-Brexit stance.

Ms Swinson has suggested that if Boris Johnson enters Number 10 and is committed to Brexit on October 31 with or without a deal then the Lib Dems could be boosted even further.

Sir Ed has previously suggested that a government of national unity led by a Labour backbencher could be a way of stopping a prime minister intent on a no-deal Brexit.

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