Tim Farron has resigned as Liberal Democrat leader after senior party figures triggered a coup against him earlier today.

It follows the resignation of his home affairs spokesman Lord Brian Paddick over the leader's views on gay marriage. Lord Paddick, formerly one of the country's most senior gay policemen, said he felt unable to continue in his role because of Mr Farron's views on "various issues".

Throughout the election campaign the Liberal Democrat leader was dogged by questions about his attitude to gay sex after he previously appeared to state the practice was a sin.