Bookies favourite Jo Swinson unexpectedly quits the race to be the next leader of the Liberal Democrats

THE bookies favourite to be the next leader of the Lib Dems has unexpectedly quit the race to succeed ousted Tim Farron.

Ex-minister Jo Swinson instead put her name forward to Deputy Leader in a shock move that rocked the pro-EU party and punters alike.

The party is facing its second hunt for a new leader in two years following the dramatic resignation of Mr Farron after the party only made minimal gains at the Election.

The East Dunbartonshire MP said: “I have been overwhelmed by so many lovely messages from people I know, and from many members I have not yet met, encouraging me to stand for leader.

“I am touched and flattered that you look to me and I am determined to play a key role in our party’s leadership.”

But she insisted being Number 2 was “the right role for me now”.

She wrote last night: “Being the leader of a political party is a unique and all-encompassing job, even more than the roles of MP and minister that I have undertaken before.

“It should not be done simply to achieve status, to make a point, or to please others.

“Feminist that I am, I have of course wondered what a bloke in my position would do.

“It’s obvious. Most blokes in my shoes would run for leader like a shot.

But she added: “Just because a man would do it, doesn’t make it the right thing to do.”

The race is now expected to be a fight between blokes Sir Edward Davey, Sir Vince Cable and Norman Lamb.

Mr Farron will quit at the end of July with a new leader chosen by the party members over the summer.