Simon Hughes is making a bid to become Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Democrat Party in the House of Commons. On launching his bid, Simon stressed the importance of the role of Deputy Leader in helping to retain the party’s distinctive and independent voice in parliament and in the country. Simon pledged to use his experience inside and outside parliament to help the party through this period of great change as Liberal Democrats enter national government for the first time in generations.

Simon’s bid is supported by the Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills, and other colleagues from Scotland and Wales.

Making his announcement, Simon Hughes said:

“After campaigning for three decades for liberal democracy, in Bermondsey and Old Southwark, London and around the country, it would be a great honour to serve my party as Deputy Leader.

“Our party is at the beginning of an exciting journey in difficult and challenging times. We are now in government and implementing Liberal Democrat policies for the first time in generations. The first coalition for 65 years will mean great changes and challenges for Liberal Democrat MPs and our party around the country.

“I believe that I have the strength and breadth of experience to make sure that our party is a strong, supportive but independent voice within and around the coalition. We must hold fast to our ambition to grow our party and expand the number and diversity of elected representatives at all levels of government in the five years ahead.”

Backing Simon’s bid to succeed him, Vince Cable MP said:

“Simon has given the most phenomenal service to the party over his 27 years as an

“He represents the best traditions of the Liberal Democrats

“Simon is the person best placed to follow me as Deputy Leader and uphold the values of our party”