Kennedy hails Lib Dem gains across the country

10.26.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 7th May 2005

Charles Kennedy MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, has welcomed the results of the general election which saw more Lib Dem voters, in more constituencies, electing more Liberal Democrat MPs.

He called on new Lib Dem MPs to demonstrate that it is the Liberal Democrats who are best able to hold the Government to account and to offer an alternative vision for Britain.

Mr Kennedy said "We have truly come of age as a party. We have firmly demonstrated that we now live in an era of three party politics."

The Liberal Democrats won 63 seats and hold second place in 187 seats.

"With the Conservatives now plunged into a prolonged period of internal debate and conflict, we have a golden opportunity to seize the initiative in the new Parliament. We must demonstrate that it is the Liberal Democrats who are best able to hold the Government to account and to offer an alternative vision for Britain."

"My aim as Leader of the Liberal Democrats is to put the Party in a position to challenge for power at the next election." he concluded.