THE former MP for Mid-Dorset and North Poole has backed front-runner Tim Farron for the party leadership.

Annette Brooke, who retired at the May general election, said Mr Farron would “inspire and motivate” the party and voters.

Mr Farron, the 45-year-old MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, recently visited Liberal Democrats in Broadstone as part of his campaign to succeed Nick Clegg. His rival is the former health minister Norman Lamb.

Annette Brooke said: "Given our election defeats we are very fortunate to have two excellent candidates for the leadership of our party.

“The increase in our membership post-May 2015 is also excellent news. There clearly is a great opportunity to rebuild our party at all levels. I believe that Tim is the man to grasp this opportunity at this point in time and that he will inspire and motivate members, activists and voters."

Lib Dem candidate Vikki Slade, who was defeated in her attempt to succeed Mrs Brooke in Mid-Dorset and North Poole last month, has already declared herself a supporter of Mr Farron.

Party members have until July 15 to return their ballot papers, with the result due to be announced the following day.