Watson welcomes new Lib Dem Leader

2.42.00pm GMT Tue 18th Dec 2007

South West and EU-wide Liberal Leader Graham Watson today welcomed the result of the UK Liberal leadership contest and congratulated his friend and former MEP colleague Nick Clegg.

"The Tory press will live to regret having hounded Sir Menzies Campbell out of office", the MEP warned.

"The message of this victory is 'watch out David Cameron, here we come.'"

Nick Clegg served under Mr Watson when he led the UK Liberal Democrat MEPs in Brussels and Strasbourg from 1999-2001, before being elected to lead the Lib Dem MEPs from across the continent.

"Our new Leader is a first class strategist and an excellent communicator and is the best choice to lead our Westminster troops", the MEP concluded.