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Jo Swinson has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Tim Farron as Liberal Democrat leader after his sudden announcement that he was standing down.

Senior Lib-Dems said she was in pole position to win backing to take the helm of the party if she wished to do so. However, they are also pushing for a “double act” involving Ms Swinson and former Business Secretary Sir Vince Cable, particularly over Brexit.

Lib-Dem sources believe East Dunbartonshire MP Ms Swinson, 37, who has a three-year-old son, has the talent, communication skills and energy to take the party forward.

However, another option being mooted is Sir Vince, 74, becoming an interim “Brexit leader”, and then stepping down to allow former business minister Ms Swinson to take over before the next election, if it is held in 2020.

The Lib Dems have never had a female leader and one senior source said: “We need a generational change...to a younger generation.”

Former Energy Secretary Sir Edward Davey and former health minister Norman Lamb may also throw their names into the hat if there is a leadership contest.

Mr Farron announced he was quitting yesterday, saying he had been unable to reconcile his Christian faith with the demands of leading a “progressive, liberal” party.

His shock announcement came just hours after the party’s openly gay home affairs spokesman Lord Paddick said he was standing down citing “concerns about the leader’s views on various issues”.