Lord McNally is to take over as the next leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.

The peer will take over from Baroness Williams when she steps down after the Queen's Speech.

Lord McNally was elected unopposed to the position, which will allow him to lead for the party in the upper house.

He pledged to position the Lib Dems as "the voice of conscience and reform on issues such as civil liberties, human rights, changes in the legal system and access to justice".

"At the same time we can use the considerable experience on our benches to promote the Liberal Democrat case on Europe, the environment, education and pensions," he said.

"Under my leadership I intend the Lords team to be fully involved in the wider campaigning party as we move towards what could be an historic general election for our party."

Party leader Charles Kennedy congratulated Lord McNally on his victory.

"Tom will be a forthright defender of fairness, freedom and trust in the upper house," he said.

"His long experience, judgement and respect among his parliamentary peers will be a great support as we get closer to the general election."

Baroness Williams said the fact that the peer had been elected unopposed "speaks volumes about the confidence his colleagues place in him".