Sir Ed Davey has been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Democrats.
The acting leader will now take over on a permanent basis after beating his competitor, fellow MP Layla Moran, the BBC reported.
He has been the Member of Parliament for Kingston and Surbiton since 2017, and previously represented the same constituency from 1997 until 2015
According to the report, Sir Ed secured 63.5% of the vote, compared to 36.5% for Ms Moran.
I am so proud to lead the party that I love. I am determined to rebuild our party, and fight for a greener, fairer and more caring society. Thank you so much! https://t.co/bPvbHRbzub
— Ed Davey MP 🔶🇪🇺 (@EdwardJDavey) August 27, 2020
Sir Ed said that it was time for the party to “wake up and smell the coffee” after only securing 12% of the vote in the last general election.
According to BBC, Sir Ed, in an email to party members, said he would launch a “national listening project” to help make the Lib Dems “relevant again”, adding: “We won’t be able to do this unless we show people we share their values and are on their side.”
I'd like to congratulate Ed, and I look forward to working with him to campaign for a better future for Britain.Â
Thanks to my amazing team, supporters, and the entire Lib Dem membership! 🔶
— Layla Moran 🔶🟡 (@LaylaMoran) August 27, 2020
The result comes eight months after the Lib Dem’s former leader, Jo Swinson, stepped down from the role after losing her seat in 2019 general election.
Ms Moran congratulated her opponent on Twitter, saying: “I look forward to working with him to campaign for a better future for Britain.”
