THE leader of Warrington's Liberal Democrat group believes Sir Vince Cable is the right man to lead the party 'as the country grapples with the reality of Brexit'.

The 74-year-old is firm favourite to be announced as the party's next leader after Sir Ed Davey ruled himself out of the race.

Cllr Bob Barr, the leader of Warrington's Liberal Democrats, will be supporting the seasoned politician.

He said: "The Liberal Democrats have never been needed as much as they are now.

"The General Election split the country into those voting, in hope, or fear, for or against one of the main two parties, which were further apart than ever.

"Those hoping for a socialist utopia, offered by one side, will almost certainly be disappointed.

"Those who still believe that a market driven, selfish, isolated Britain is the way forward are in denial about the issues that matter to many in the country.

"There is a need for a moderate party that doesn't believe that either the state, or market forces, offer all the answers but need to be balanced in the national interest.

"That party is the Liberal Democrats.

"This makes the leadership of our party more important than ever.

"We already have an excellent new deputy leader in Jo Swinson.

"She is young, experienced and inspiring but doesn't, yet, wish to be our leader.

"The Liberal Democrats need a respected, experienced leader, who is already recognised as a national figure.

"I believe that Vince Cable fits that role ideally, particularly as the country grapples with the reality of Brexit."

Speculation over the next leader has continued to mount since Tim Farron, who visited Warrington twice during the election campaign, resigned from his post on June 14.