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Jo Swinson Has Stepped Down As The Leader Of The Liberal Democrats

Jo Swinson Has Stepped Down As The Leader Of The Liberal Democrats

She narrowly lost her seat in Dunbartonshire East to the SNP candidate Amy Callaghan

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Jo Swinson has stepped down as the leader of the Liberal Democrats following the Conservative Party's victory in the 2019 general election.

In a statement released by the party, it was confirmed that Ed Davey and Sal Brinton would take over as joint interim leaders.

The news comes after the 39-year-old narrowly lost her seat in Dunbartonshire East to the SNP candidate Amy Callaghan.

This was the second time the Ms Swinson had lost her seat, having been defeated in 2015 after her party's unpopular coalition, only to win it back two years later.

Addressing the crowd following news of her loss, she said "some will be celebrating the wave of nationalism that is sweeping on both sides of the borders" but adds "these results will bring dread and dismay."

Liberal Democrats leader Jo Swinson has announced that she will step down as the party's leader.
PA

Ms Swinson went on: "People are looking for hope. I still believe that we as a country can be warm and generous inclusive and open and that by working together with our nearest neighbours we can achieve so much more.

"I still believe that we as a country can be warm and generous, inclusive and open, and that by working together with our nearest neighbours we can achieve so much more.

"Liberal Democrats will continue to stand up for these values that guide our liberal movement: openness, fairness, inclusivity. We will stand up for hope."

Earlier this morning, Jeremy Corbyn announced that he would not stand as the leader of the Labour Party at the next election.

The 70-year-old retained his seat in Islington North, but with things looking bleak for his party tonight he took the opportunity to confirm he would be stepping down.

Jeremy Corbyn has also confirmed that he will not lead the Labour Party into the next election.
PA

He said: "Obviously it is a very disappointing night for the party. But I want to say this - in the election campaign we put forward a manifesto of hope.

"However, Brexit has so polarised debate it has overridden so much of normal political debate."

This comes as the Labour Party faces one of the worst election defeats in its history, with the Conservative Party set to gain dozens of seats in the House of Commons.

On the opposite side of the House, Conservative Party leader Boris Johnson also retained his seat in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, defeating Labour's Ali Milani by more than 7,000 votes.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, Jeremy Corbyn, Interesting, general election, Politics