UPDATE: Tim Farron '˜never enjoyed' being in charge, says Portsmouth Lib Dem leader

Tim Farron has stood down as leader of the Liberal Democrats

Mr Farron – who briefly visited Portsmouth on the campaign trail last month – has quit as leader of the party despite boosting their seat count at Westminster from nine to 12 seats in last Thursday’s general election.

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, who brought Mr Farron down to Mary Rose Academy in Milton while on the campaign trail for the Portsmouth South seat said his friend’s exit was ‘not unexpected.’

He said: ‘I just do not think Tim ever really enjoyed being leader. I think he was far more happy just looking after his constituency and being with his family.

‘He will definitely be remembered for what he did and as a good person.’

Mr Farron said he had quit the role due to constant questions over his faith.

He said: ‘The consequences of the focus on my faith is that I have found myself torn between living as a faithful Christian and serving as a political leader.

‘To be a political leader – especially of a progressive, Liberal party in 2017 and to live as a committed Christian has felt impossible for me.’