EASTLEIGH MP Chris Huhne was today pipped to the leadership of the Liberal Democrats by just over 500 votes.

Nick Clegg was elected to the party's top job by 20,988 to 20,477, after a two-month contest sparked by the resignation of Sir Menzies Campbell.

The announcement was made by acting party leader Vince Cable at London's St Martin's Lane Hotel.

Mr Huhne said: ''I look forward to participating as part of Nick's team to make sure the party goes from strength to strength.

''This party is going to see even greater successes in the future than it has in the past.

''We have just elected a leader who is going to take us on from strength to strength.''