THE two candidates vying for the leadership of the Liberal Democrat party will go head to head at a hustings event in Bolton.

Tim Farron and Norman Lamb will be putting their arguments forward and answering questions from party members at the Ukrainian Club in Castle Street tomorrow.

The two candidates are aiming to succeed Nick Clegg as leader of the party after he announced his resignation following a catastrophic General Election result for the party — which left them with just eight MPs.

Mr Farron, the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale and former president of the party, is the current favourite to land the job.

He will be up against North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb who held the position of minister for care and support during the previous coalition government.

The leadership election will be held on July 16 and tomorrow’s event is the official hustings for the North West.

Eric Hyde, chairman of the Liberal Democrats in Bolton, said: “This is a unique thing for Bolton because I don’t think we have held this kind of event here before.

“This gives us an excellent opportunity to hear what the two candidates have to say and to find out from them how they see the future of the party.

“It will be an interesting debate because they are very different men. Tim has been very vocal as a leader of the party, whereas Norman is quieter, but they both have their strengths.”

Cllr Roger Hayes, the leader of the party in Bolton added: “I think both men will make good leaders — they both have different things to offer.

“I haven’t made my mind up who I will be voting for so this event will be an important part of helping me to make that decision and it is excellent that it is taking place in Bolton.”

The event will take place from 7pm to 9pm and all party members are invited.