Cumbria reacts to shock resignation of Lib Dem leader Tim Farron

Mr Farron, who was last week re-elected as MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, announced he is to step down from the party leadership role yesterday in move not anticipated beyond his inner circle.

The father of four, who lives in Milnthorpe, near Levens, cited an 'incompatibility' between his political and private life as a practicing Christian for his decision to relinquish his role as head of the party this summer.

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But he has now been heralded for his work in the South Lakeland constituency for the past 12 years - a role that will once again become his sole focus.

Neighbouring constituency MP John Woodcock, for Barrow, said he personally felt sad for Mr Farron -though he believed the electorate had a right to ask questions.

"We have had some disagreements on some issues over the years but he does work tremendously hard and I know what high regard he is held in by the people he represents.

"I am sure he has hugely mixed emotions about stepping down as leader but I know he will relish getting back to being a constituency MP as his sole focus and that his constituents will benefit from that."

But Mr Woodcock, who is set to work with Mr Farron on a number of issues affecting south Cumbria in future months, added: "But people's faith is part of their life and their outlook and I think it's understandable that the public show an interest in it."

Ian Stewart, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Cumbria County Council said he had been surprised by Mr Farron's resignation.

But he added: "Tim is a fellow constituent of mine and friend.

"I know and trust that he will not have taken such a decision lightly.

"The implications are going to take time to sink in, but in the meantime I wish him, Rosie and the family all the best."

Regular church-goer Mr Farron, 48, has campaigned fiercely to keep vital services at Kendal's Westmorland General Hospital since his election as well as to protect and improve upon treatment for those suffering mental ill health.

His parliamentary voting record shows he was against the introduction of the controversial bedroom tax and was one of just two Lib Dem MPs to vote against an increase in tuition fees from £3,000 to £9,000 a year.

But during interviews last month, Mr Farron faced repeated questions over his views on whether he believed gay sex was a sin in the weeks prior to the general election on June 8.

He was also asked to clarify his position on abortion - before he confirmed he was in favour of pro-choice.

But just hours before Mr Farron resigned, Liberal Democrat front bencher Brian Paddick resigned from his position as shadow home affairs spokesman over 'concerns' about the leader's views on issues 'highlighted' during the election campaign.

The situation has now sparked public debate over whether elected representatives can follow their chosen faith and remain in office.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury was moved to Tweet: "Tim Farron honourable and decent.

"Regardless of party if he can't be in politics media and politicians have questions."

The position was followed by a statement issued on behalf of Cumbria's senior church leaders; the Rt Rev James Newcombe, Bishop of Carlisle and the Rt Rev Robert Freeman, Bishop of Penrith, who declared they were both 'saddened' at the situation.

They said: "We both know Tim Farron well and recognize him to be a politician who is honourable, inspirational and hardworking and who has always represented his constituency well.

"So we are saddened that he has felt moved to have to resign from his position as leader of the Liberal Democrats as a result of the focus which has been placed on his faith in recent weeks.

"This decision transcends party politics and directly speaks of the need for the political arena to have space for those people who profess and live out a faith in the love of Christ."

READ MORE: BREAKING: Lib Dem leader Tim Farron steps down