Lloyd welcomes Nick Clegg as new leader

6.10.15pm GMT Sat 22nd Dec 2007

Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman Stephen Lloyd has congratulated the new Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg on his successful campaign to lead the party.

40 year old Nick Clegg is MP for Sheffield Hallam and before winning the Lib Dem leadership on Tuesday, Nick was the Lib Dem Shadow Home Secretary.

Local Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Lloyd welcomed the news, saying, "I know Nick well and am very pleased he is to be our new leader."

"As a former MEP, journalist, international trade-negotatiotor and until recently our Shadow Home Secretary, Nick has the experience and vision to take the Lib Dems from strength to strength."

"Having a young family, I know Nick also understands the real issues facing so many local people. For example, I know for sure, that Nick would be appaled at the possibility of Eastbourne losing it's consultant-led Maternity Unit at the DGH."

"I am looking forward to a positive and successful 2008 for the Lib Dems. Nick Clegg not only has the drive and ambition to take us all the way but he's also a genuinely decent man and dedicated campaigner."