Britain's pro-EU Liberal Democrats on Friday (13) said they would elect a new leader to replace Jo Swinson, who lost her seat in the general election.
Swinson's deputy Ed Davey and party president Sal Brinton will become joint acting leaders and a leadership election will take place in the new year, the Lib Dems said.
The party looked set to win no more seats than in the last election in 2017, despite a huge increase in support in European Parliament elections earlier this year.
Swinson said her own loss in East Dunbartonshire in western Scotland, and the victory for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservatives, was "hugely disappointing".
She defended her campaign, focused on a promise to reverse Brexit, saying: "We were honest about what we believe in and what we were trying to achieve.
"This is clearly a setback for liberal values.
"But there are millions of people across the country who believe in them. By coming together to fight for them, we can create a positive future."
Brinton added: "I want to thank Jo Swinson for her honest and fearless leadership of the Liberal Democrats.
"In the weeks ahead we will elect a new leader and our party will continue to be the rallying point for anyone who believes in a country where everyone has the chance to get on in life."
Swinson lost her seat to the Scottish National Party (SNP).
(AFP)
Davindra and Seema Misra, and Vijay and Gita Parekh
Varchas Patel with his father Vipin and mother Jayshriben
Hasmukh Shingadia and his wife Chandrika were all victims of the Horizon scandal
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)