Clegg victory 'huge step forward'

9.17.51am GMT Wed 19th Dec 2007

'A fresh face on the political scene'

Liz Leffman has hailed Nick Clegg's Lib Dem leadership victory as a "huge step forward" for the party.

Mr Clegg beat off competition from his only rival, Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne, in the race after spending the duration of the election as favourite among the party and neutral political observers.

Liz, Prospective Liberal Democrat MP for Meon Valley, said: "Nick is a fresh face on the political scene and strikes fear into an unstable Labour Government and a disjointed Conservative Party.

"Nick has already achieved many great things as our shadow home secretary, such as leading our defence of civil liberties, proposing a Freedom Bill to repeal unnecessary and illiberal legislation and campaigning against Identity Cards.

"This is a huge step forward for the party and I am excited at the prospect of working with Nick."