In January, I was absolutely blessed to be elected Leader of the Liberal Democrats. It took quite a while to get there, but with patience, determination and work, I eventually accomplished a lifelong goal of mine.

However, since then, despite my best efforts, and undying help and assistance from our Exec team, we have slipped. The first election was a manageable slip, but tonight's polling confirms both a comprehensive fall and my decision to resign as Leader of the Liberal Democrats.

I don't want to dwell on the negatives, but I must apologise to my party, the Lib Dems. I'm sorry for not stemming our losses, for not making gains, nd for not being the leader we needed.

But of course, there have been countless positives to being Leader and my considerable time as Deputy Leader. I've made fantastic friends, mentors and allies, and had my fair share of arguments and debates too.

To my past Exec members I've been lucky enough to work with since joining - /u/RickCall12, /u/thenoheart, /u/wakeyRKO, /u/KernowRydh, /u/disclosedoak, /u/Wagbo_, /u/bloodycontrary and /u/m1cha3lm - I learned so much from you all.

To the current Exec - /u/JellyCow99, /u/el_raymondo and /u/Vladthelad123 - thank you all for your unwavering help and determination, and I wish you all the best going forward, and if you ever need me, I'm only a message away.

To the ever faithful, optimistic and supportive Lib Dems - thank you for aiding me through this journey right from when I first joined to tonight. But its time to pass the torch now, and I look forward to stepping out of the limelight for the first time in almost 2 years, and helping blood the next generation.

Thank you all.