Tim Farron speaks in York

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 15th July.

The result will be declared the following day.

Andrew Waller welcomes Tim Farron to the Foxwood Community Centre

Andrew Waller welcomes Tim Farron to the Foxwood Community Centre

Tim Farron addresses party members

Tim Farron addresses party members

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.

Liberal Democrats announce details of 47 candidates for York Council elections on May 7th

A full list of candidates for the York Council elections on May 7th is now available from the LibDem web site.

Cllr Ann Reid, Stephen Fenton and Ashley Mason who will contest the Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Ward

Cllr Ann Reid, Stephen Fenton and Ashley Mason who will contest the Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Ward

Wherever possible, local ward branches have selected candidates who live in or near the neighbourhoods that they seek to represent.

The other parties have also announced most of their candidates and it looks like around 200 – a record number – will be contesting the elections which take place on the same day as the parliamentary poll.

Click here for details of the LibDem candidates.

Policy manifestos are expected to be published in early April

The current make up of the Council is

Lab – 21

LibDem – 9

Tory – 9

Green – 2

Ind Lab – 2

Ind – 4