Sir Vince Cable was set to take the helm of the Liberal Democrat party today with outgoing leader Tim Farron saying it is time for a “fresh start”.
The former coalition Business Secretary was the only challenger for the role and was due to be appointed this afternoon.
Sir Vince, who regained his Twickenham seat at the general election, wants to move the party to the centre ground and abandon a push for a second EU referendum.
The 74-year-old has long said a re-run of the 2016 vote would be inappropriate but he still wants the public to have a final say on the deal.
Mr Farron said: “He is exactly what we need at this moment. A campaigner and a statesman.
“The wisest person in parliament. This is the time for a fresh start. This is the time for Vince.”
The Lib Dems increased their number of MPs to 12 at the election, up from nine after their wipe-out in 2015.
Among those who made a return were former Energy Secretary Ed Davey, the MP for Kingston & Surbiton, and Scottish MP Jo Swinson, who is the party’s deputy leader.
