YEOVIL MP David Laws has thrown his support behind Nick Clegg in the race for the leadership of the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Laws, who quickly ruled himself out of standing as a possible leader following last week's shock resignation of Sir Menzies Campbell, said he was delighted to backing the Sheffield Hallam MP.

"From the first time I met Nick Clegg, over five years ago, I quickly concluded that one day he would be leader of our Party," he said.

"Nick is one of the outstanding political talents of our generation. He possesses qualities which I very much admire - courage, substance, and the power to inspire.

"And in a world in which politicians are not much respected, Nick is a person of rare integrity, honesty and decency.

"I believe that Nick would lead our Party with flair and boldness. He is in my view the candidate who can reach out beyond the comfort zones of our Party to the broad majority of people who today share liberal values and aspirations.

"I will do everything I can in the weeks ahead to support Nick, whose election to the leadership is in my view essential to the liberal cause in Britain."