Congratulations Ming!

12.58.05pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 8th Mar 2006

After a hard fought Leadership Campaign, Sir Menzies Campbell has become the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Although Sharon Bowles backed Chris Huhne's Leadership Campaign, Sharon has extended her best wishes to Ming, and is confident he will be an excellent Leader for the Liberal Democrats.

Commenting on the result, Sharon said "Our party prides itself on democratically electing our Leaders and I am glad we had such a vigorous contest. I am delighted that Ming has already appointed Chris Huhne as our new Environment Spokesman, and that all three of the Leadership candidates have been absolutely clear they are now working together as a team for the good of our Party."

"I was in Harrogate this weekend to hear Ming's first speech as Leader and was heartened to hear him reaffirm his commitment to Europe, among other things. I am sure Ming will be a great Leader for our Party and I am confident that we will all be able to achieve genuinely positive results for our party and the people that we serve together."