Simon Hughes, 8 term MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, has won the contest to be deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats beating Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron.
Mr Hughes replaces Vince Cable, who stood down from the deputy leadership role last month to concentrate on the job of business secretary in the new Liberal Democrat-Conservative Coalition Government.
He said he would ensure the Lib Dems "seize the moment" provided by the coalition government.
