LEEDS NORTH WEST: Resounding success in Leeds eases the disappointment for Clegg

Though the predicted "Clegg surge" simply failed to materialise in other parts of the country, the Liberal Democrats successfully made a mockery of Leeds North West's status as a three-way marginal by bringing home a hugely increased majority that left the Tories and Labour simply trailing in their wake.

The seat had been seen as one of just a handful where any of the three main parties could come out on top, with just 4,000 votes having separated them at the 2005 count.

But sitting MP Greg Mulholland – the Liberal Democrat spokesman for health – picked up almost twice as many votes as his nearest rival, increasing his majority from 2,000 to more than 9,000 and leaving the seat looking safe for his party for some years to come.

Asked how far his success was down to Mr Clegg's TV performances, Mr Mulholland said: "You'd have to ask the people of Leeds North West. But certainly since the leaders' debate people were very interested in the election, and Nick went down very, very well.

"Clearly a lot of people also appear to have liked the job I have done, and I'm humbled that they've given me such a resounding mandate.

"But Nick's been a factor in this election. He is now a major player in British politics. The Liberal Democrats are here as a major force."

The Leeds North West constituency includes large numbers of students in the Headingley area, and they were credited with Mr Mulholland's victory last time round as he took the seat from Labour on an anti-war and anti-tuition fee ticket.

In his victory speech this time he told his supporters: "Despite everything that's happened over the past few years, politics remains a worthwhile and noble profession and we must restore people's trust and faith in that."

The Tories beat Labour into third place, meanwhile, Tory candidate Julia Mulligan saying: "I've heard so many passionate stories and desires for change over the past three years, and I'm only sorry I won't be able to carry that out on their behalf."