With the new Lib Dem leader due to be announced in just a few hours time, this is just a short note to thank everyone who has supported this campaign and made it a success.

We have been delighted by positive response we have received, not least of all by the leadership contenders themselves. It has been generally recognised that one of the key things that the new leader will be judged on is to what degree he manages to ensure that the Parliamentary Party after the next General Election is significantly more diverse and gender balanced.

The petition will be closing in a few hours time, but there is still time to sign up. The new leader will be presented with the signatures we receive.

The website will continue to be available for the foreseeable future as a public record and to chronicle progress as it develops. In addition, we are still encouraging people to nominate their diamonds and will continue to develop the do it section.

Thanks again for your support!

The MP for Cheltenham had this to say:

I’d like to add my support to Reflecting Britain. There are too many MPs in here who look rather like me. How much talent must we be missing out on from the rest of the population?