Devon County Councillor Julian Brazil has paid tribute to former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell.

Sir Menzies, 66, resigned as party leader on Monday evening - a decision which saddened Mr Brazil, the prospective Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the Totnes seat at the next general election.

In a letter to party president Simon Hughes, Sir Menzies said ongoing questions about his leadership were hindering the party's progress.

"It has become clear that following the Prime Minister's decision not to hold an election, questions about leadership are getting in the way of further progress by the party," Sir Menzies said in a statement.

"Accordingly I now submit my resignation as leader with immediate effect."

Julian Brazil: "It is sad that Sir Menzies has stood down as party leader but now we must look to the future."

Mr Brazil, who lives in East Prawle, said Sir Menzies was a "superb parliamentarian" and "the best Foreign Secretary the party never had".

But he also said that the party must now look to the future.

"It is sad that Sir Menzies has stood down as party leader but now we must look to the future," Mr Brazil explained.

"We Liberal Democrats have great talent in our parliamentary team and I am sure that a new leader will give us the third bounce of this Parliament."

Deputy leader Vincent Cable has taken over as acting leader until a new leader is elected.

Mr Brazil will try and end Anthony Steen's reign as Totnes MP at the next general election.

Mr Steen, who retained his seat with a majority of more than 1,500 over the Liberal Democrats in 2005, has been the MP for the Totnes and South Hams seats since 1983.

Former Tory councillor Jeff Beer has replaced Roger Knapman as the UK Independence Party's prospective parliamentary candidate for the constituency.

Mr Beer, who has lived and worked in the Kingsbridge area for more than 30 years, quit the Conservative party earlier this year.

He was the Conservative member for Kingsbridge North on South Hams Council for eight years.