2010 Liberal Democrats deputy leadership election

The 2010 Liberal Democrats deputy leadership election began on 26 May 2010, when the sitting Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable, announced his resignation following his appointment as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills in the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government.[1] Nominations closed on 2 June, and the balloting took place on 9 June.[2] The election was won by Simon Hughes.

2010 Liberal Democrats deputy leadership election
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Candidate Simon Hughes Tim Farron
Popular vote 38 18
Percentage 67.9% 32.1%

Deputy Leader before election

Vince Cable

Elected Deputy Leader

Simon Hughes

Candidates

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Hughes was, from the start, reportedly leading in the election,[5] having reportedly secured the support of at least 29 Lib Dem MPs.[6] Not all MPs publicly declared their support for either candidate; of those Farron had the support of 11 and Hughes 21.[7] Both candidates were former members of the Lib Dem Front Bench, but neither received a position in the coalition government.

Result

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Only ballot: 9 June 2010[8]
Candidate Votes %
Simon Hughes 38 67.9
Tim Farron 18 32.1
Turnout 56 98.2
Simon Hughes elected

References

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  1. ^ "Vince Cable stands down as Lib Dem deputy leader". BBC News. 26 May 2010.
  2. ^ Patrick Wintour (28 May 2010). "Simon Hughes fights to keep leftwing identity for Liberal Democrats". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  3. ^ "Lib Dem deputy leader contest: Tim Farron to stand". BBC News. 27 May 2010.
  4. ^ "Simon Hughes standing for Lib Dem deputy". BBC News. 28 May 2010.
  5. ^ "Hughes 'leading' in Lib Dem deputy race". Politics.co.uk. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  6. ^ "Lib Dem deputy leader contest: Nominations close". BBC News. 2 June 2010. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  7. ^ "Deputy Leadership contest: how the MPs stack up". Libdemvoice.org. 28 May 2010. Retrieved 10 June 2010.
  8. ^ "Simon Hughes elected Lib Dem deputy leader". BBC News. 9 June 2010. Retrieved 10 June 2010.