Menzies Campbell

Menzies Campbell has been elected as deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats.

The vacancy was caused by Alan Beith's decision to step down in order to chair a new Commons select committee shadowing the work of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

After a ballot of the 53 Lib Dem MPs, it was announced that Campbell had secured 31 votes, against the 22 in favour of Malcolm Bruce.

The party's leader, Charles Kennedy, welcomed the decision.

"Both Malcolm Bruce and Menzies Campbell were strong candidates for Deputy Leader. I would have welcomed either of them to work with me in that role," Kennedy said.

He said that he looked forward to working with his new deputy.

"With our commitment to public services, the environment and human rights, and with the Tory Party in chaos, the Liberal Democrats are overtaking the Conservatives to become the only effective, distinctive and responsible opposition," said the Lib Dem leader.

"Every so often, there is a sea change in British politics. I believe we are on the brink of another profound sea change.

"The Liberal Democrats are the party of the future, and I look forward to working with Menzies as we move forward and grow as a party, and a political force in Britain."