The Welsh Liberal Democrats have elected Kirsty Williams to be their new leader.

Ms Williams defeated Jenny Randerson for the post.

National leader Nick Clegg welcomed her success.

“Kirsty’s election as leader is excellent news for the Welsh Liberal Democrats and for Wales.

“I know that Kirsty will be a strong champion for liberal values in the Senedd, helping to make Wales a fairer and greener nation.”

The Conservatives offered Ms Williams their congratulations.

Opposition leader Nick Bourne AM said: “I congratulate Kirsty on her success and wish her well in her new role. Commiserations must also go to Jenny Randerson who ran a strong campaign.

“This is an important moment for the National Assembly and for Wales in general, representing as it does a significant breakthrough in the representation of women in frontline Welsh politics.”

Ms Williams’ most famous moment came when she led attempts to scupper the possibility of a rainbow coalition of Liberal Democrats, Tories and Plaid Cymru last year.

In a 2006 poll she was voted “sexiest female Liberal Democrat” on an online blog.