The front runner to become the next Leader of the Liberal Democrats spoke to party members at a private meeting held in York this afternoon.

Tim Farron became the first of the two contenders, to take over from Nick Clegg, to speak in the area.

He was welcomed by local Councillor Andrew Waller.

The second contender in the Leadership race is Norman Lamb

All party members have a vote in the contest. Ballot papers are being sent out later in the month and they have to be returned by 15^th July.

The result will be declared the following day.

Over 150 new members have joined the Liberal Democrats in York since the General Election.

Nationally the Party now has over 61,000 members and is growing every day.