Clegg regrets shadow Cabinet resignations

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg says he "greatly regrets" the resignation of three shadow Cabinet members over the Lisbon treaty referendum issue.

David Heath, Tim Farron and Alistair Carmichael quit their posts in his frontbench team over their defiance of a three-line whip calling for abstention on referendum amendments in yesterday's Commons session.

Mr Clegg insisted party discipline had to be maintained and, in letters to the trio, explained the will of the shadow Cabinet and parliamentary party had to be respected.

"I hugely value the contribution that Alistair, David and Tim have made. Though we have disagreed on this issue, I fully understand and respect their strongly held views on the subject," he said.

"The shadow Cabinet cannot operate effectively unless the principle of collective responsibility is maintained."

Mr Clegg has already announced details of the mini-reshuffle made necessary by the resignations.

Steve Webb takes on Mr Farron's countryside responsibilities, Michael Moore takes on Mr Carmichael's Scottish spokesperson duties and former leadership rival Chris Huhne assumes Mr Heath's justice portfolio.