Welcoming the election of Nick Clegg as our new Liberal Democrat Leader, Madeleine Kirk said:

12.00.00am GMT Tue 18th Dec 2007

New Leader Nick Clegg with Madeleine Kirk on a recent visit to York

Madeleine Kirk, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for York Outer has welcomed the choice of Nick Clegg, a Yorkshire MP, as a great choice for the party.

'I'm delighted to see Nick chosen as the new leader,' says local woman Madeleine. 'I backed Nick in his leadership bid because he's someone I've worked with closely to tackle Yorkshire issues'.

Madeleine has already formed a great working relationship with Nick Clegg, with Nick putting his full backing behind Madeleine's campaign to become the new York Outer constituency's first MP.

'Nick will be a great leader,' Madeleine adds. 'His win shows that the Lib Dems in Yorkshire are stronger than ever.'

'Nick deserves the congratulations and support of the whole party after his exciting victory earlier today.

'Nick has made clear that his overriding ambition is to reach out to the people who are outside politics, disillusioned with politics or unclear about politics. With Nick's strength, principles, personality, character and charisma, I have every confidence he will succeed.

'The leadership of our party has passed into new young hands. Liberal Democrats can look forward to continuing our progress in all parts in Britain in the years ahead'.