THE MAN hoping to lead the Liberal Democrats back from the political wilderness has held Otley up as an example to build on.

MP Tim Farron officially launched his bid to become the party's next leader in the town's market place on Thursday, May 14.

The town bucked the trend* during last week's elections by voting for a Liberal Democrat MP, city councillor and an overwhelmingly Lib Dem dominated Town Council.

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West), who survived a nine per cent swing to Labour to retain his seat, is co-ordinating Mr Farron's leadership campaign.

Addressing a group of 40 or 50 supporters, he said: "We now need someone who can lead our party, who can engage with ordinary people and connect with people here and in the north of England, and also in Scotland, Wales, and in the South West and South East of England - the whole of this wonderful nation.

"Tim can do that better than anyone because when he explains our Liberal values people realise those are the values they already believe in.

"I'm asking you to get behind the Liberal Democrat fightback which has already started, here, in Otley."

A fired up Mr Farron, greeted by cheers, didn't try to hide the extent of the challenge now facing his much-diminished party.

Referring to the General Election, he said: "Let's be honest, it was a devastating result for the Lib Dems, there's no point in glossing over it whatsoever.

"But in the days since that result we've seen an increase in our party membership that will probably reach the 12,000 mark in the next hour or two.

"That's because last week people realised what it means to lose the liberal voice in Britain.

"This is not about ambition it's about a mission - to make sure Britain's liberal voice not just survives, but thrives.

"I'm not prepared to let the party I love die and the movement this country needs wither into insignificance, but this will be a tough fight.

"The proof of the pudding is here in Otley - you start changing your world by winning your town.

"I'm proud to put myself forward today. It's going to be a massively tough fight but if you're up for the fight then I'm up for standing to be your leader."

Councillor Mary Vickers meanwhile, one of 18 Lib Dem members on the 20-seat town council, had also welcomed Mr Farron with words of support.

She said: "We wish Tim success in his quest for leadership of our party.

"I'm sure he will be the person to rebuild the the team nationally and once again we will be a force to be reckoned with."

Former Lib Dem health minister Norman Lamb is also running for the leadership while there is still time for others to enter. The result will be declared on July 16.

*The Liberal Democrats were reduced to just eight MPs - including former party president Mr Farron - at the polls on May 7.