Sir Vince Cable is standing to be leader of the Liberal Democrats.

The newly re-elected MP for Twickenham announced his intention this morning on Lib Dem Voice, a website for party news and opinion.

He referred to his experience in government, as Business Secretary in the David Cameron-led Coalition, and to what he sees as an encroaching ‘period of chronic uncertainty’.

According to his statement, the Conservatives are ‘in disarray’ and Labour are 'equivocal over Brexit'.

Sir Vince, who is 74, said: “The party has survived five difficult years of Coalition government and the disadvantage of the current unreformed voting system. We are now growing again and the political winds are moving in our favour.

“I believe I can, as leader, offer the energy, dedication and drive, as well as experience, to help – with you – to make our party a credible contender for power.”

Ex-leader Tim Farron resigned after the general election, citing his difficulty leading a progressive party as a committed Christian.

Widely considered to be Sir Vince’s main opposition is Norman Lamb, MP for North Norfolk, who has been retweeting messages supporting the idea of him running on Twitter.

Sir Ed Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton, has previously refused to comment on whether he would stand.