Tim Farron

Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has failed in his bid for the deputy leadership of his party.

The member for Westmorland and Lonsdale has been instrumental in the fight to secure a rebate of mountain rescue teams’ VAT and duty. He was defeated in the two-horse race for the post of the Liberal Democrats’ deputy leader by Simon Hughes, who polled 38 votes to Farron’s 18, with one abstention.

Former party leader Sir Menzies Campbell had lent his support to Farron, who increased his majority at the last election.

Although the pledge to refund rescuers tax payments – estimated to be worth about £200,000 a year – was in the LibDems’ election manifesto, it was taken out of the coalition agreement.

However, Tim Farron remains confident of securing cash for the volunteer teams. He told grough last month: “This is not one of the things we had to give way on.

“I am optimistic that we will get it. It is a cheap ask for something that is such great value and I can’t see why they would say no to it.
“We can get round the European Union rules and they can then claim back a grant for the same amount. We are continuing to lobby. We haven’t had a yes, but we haven’t had a no.”

Mr Hughes replaces Vince Cable, who resigned the post after his appointment as the Government’s Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.