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Norman Lamb Confirms Lib Dem Leadership Bid

Norman Lamb Confirms Lib Dem Leadership Bid

Norman Lamb has announced he will be standing for the leadership of the Liberal Democrats.

The former health and social care minister is the first MP to confirm they want to replace Nick Clegg, who resigned after the party's poor performance in the General Election.

He is one of just eight Lib Dem MPs remaining after election day, down from more than 50 in 2010.

The 57-year-old has been MP for North Norfolk since 2001.

A former employment lawyer, Mr Lamb first stood for election in North Norfolk in 1992 and then again in 1997, before being elected on his third attempt in 2001.

Speaking after his victory last week, the married father-of-two, who lives in Norwich, said he was "grateful" for the faith of his constituents but admitted it was a "bruising night" for the party.

Another possible contender for the leadership, Tim Farron, told Sky News at the weekend he was "ruling nothing in and nothing out".

Nominations for the Lib Dem leadership open on Wednesday.

To get on the ballot a contender must secure the endorsement of 10% of MPs - which is now less than one person.

They must also get endorsement from 200 members from at least 20 local Liberal Democrat parties.

The wider membership then elects the winner via an alternative vote system, with the result expected on 16 July.