The Lib Dems have suspended their latest leadership contest amid the coronavirus crisis.
The race to succeed Jo Swinson had been due to get underway in May following the local elections.
But the nationwide polls were scrapped so officials could deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lib Dem chiefs have now shelved the battle for a new party leader for 12 months.
Acting boss Sir Ed Davey, who will continue in the role until May next year, said: “The party’s board made the right decision to put off the leadership campaign until next year, when we all hope the coronavirus epidemic will be behind us.
“For now Liberal Democrats all have a job to do - to represent Britain’s workers - whether they’re in the NHS or care sector, working in our food shops or keeping law and order.
“Liberal Democrat councillors and party members across the country are working hard in their local communities to help those in need, especially the most vulnerable and a leadership election would have been a distraction from that vital task during this crisis.”
Former Cabinet Minister Sir Ed lost last summer's leadership election to Ms Swinson.
She held the post for less than five months, having declared she could become Prime Minister before being ousted by voters in her East Dunbartonshire constituency.
Confirming the latest leadership battle was being postponed, party president Mark Pack said: “The country is currently going through our biggest crisis since 1945.
“Our party has decided that we must put all our attention into dealing with fallout from the coronavirus.”
Sir Ed used a Mirror interview this month to launch a thinly-veiled rebuke to MP Layla Moran – the only candidate to announce she was running for the top job.
She said: “My reasons for running remain the same and I look forward to taking part in it.
“When this is over the country and the Lib Dems will need to move on and create a positive vision for the future.
“But while coronavirus rages we must focus on that.”
