Campbell victory welcomed by Lib Dems

Senior Liberal Democrats have begun reacting to Sir Menzies Campbell's leadership election victory.

Former leader Charles Kennedy welcomed the result.

"We have got a strong leadership under Ming and he will have my full and enthusiastic and loyal support," he said.

"There is a vitality within our party and there's an enthusiasm about our party. We have got a strong leadership as a result of the turnout and the clear-cut nature of the mandate."

"I think the party, the centre of gravity of the party, philosophically and politically, is very clear," he added.

"I don't think that is going to change much at all. The whole issue here is building on success. I am quite sure running up to the May local elections we can do that."

Huhne and Hughes

Leadership runner-up Chris Huhne said Sir Menzies had a "hard-won and decisive mandate to lead this party to new advances with the backing of all of us".

"Collective wisdom is often so much greater than individual wisdom and Ming has undoubted authority, experience and credibility," he said.

"I look forward to being a part of his team taking us to greater success."

"I am more convinced than ever, after this contest, that the best days of this party are still to come; that we are poised for a further substantial advance that will take Liberal Democrat principles into power," he added. "All good luck to our new leader."

Party president and defeated leadership candidate Simon Hughes said to Sir Menzies: "I am absolutely clear that this party has a great future; I am absolutely clear that liberal democracy has a great future; and I am absolutely clear that we will go, Ming, under your leadership from strength to strength towards the government that Britain desperately needs and that we are all so unitedly determined to achieve."

"I have no doubt at all that under your leadership we will be a clear, united and successful party and... you have my complete and unqualified support as I know you will do for the whole party," he added.

Scotland and Wales

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Nicol Stephen congratulated Sir Menzies on his "outstanding" victory.

"All the candidates fought strong campaigns but clearly Menzies Campbell's qualities shone through," he said.

"The Dunfermline by-election triumph shows that he now leads a strong and united party which is set to grow.

"Ming is not only a good friend but also an outstanding Scottish MP.

"This is a great result for the party in Scotland. I look forward to him joining me on the campaign trail as we gear up for the next Scottish parliament election."

Mike German, the party's leader in the welsh assembly, said: "Menzies brings considerable experience as well as great statesmanship to the leadership.

"Crucially, he also understands the challenges facing Wales today.   

"The nation needs measures to respond to our specific health, economic and cultural needs. Menzies Campbell has given that commitment.

"Menzies knows the issues which effect Wales.

"He supports reform of the Barnett formula, and a parliament which puts Wales on a par with Scotland.

""I hope that Menzies will combine his considerable experience with a dynamic and forward-thinking team to lead us on to bigger and better victories as a party.

"I have already sent him my congratulations. Now we can refocus our efforts on increasing our vote in the next election and keeping the government in check over ID cards, greater powers for the National Assembly and a fairer funding package for Wales."