Teather promoted in Lib Dem reshuffle
Sarah Teather has joined the Liberal Democrat shadow cabinet in a reshuffle by leader Charles Kennedy today.
The 30-year-old MP for Brent East, who originally took the seat from Labour in a by-election before being returned to Parliament on May 5, will take the communities and local government portfolio.
She is joined on the Lib Dem shadow cabinet for the first time by Norman Lamb who will be the spokesman for trade and industry.
Vince Cable, Sir Menzies Campbell and Mark Oaten will continue to speak on the economy, foreign affairs and home affairs respectively.
Elsewhere, Steve Webb moves to health from work and pensions, where he is replaced by David Laws. Ed Davey takes on education, Mike Moore becomes defence spokesman, and Norman Baker assumes the environment and rural affairs portfolio.
Simon Hughes will shadow the Deputy Prime Minister, Tom Brake takes on transport and Andrew George will speak on international development.
“I am delighted to confirm this new set of appointments, consisting of the parliamentary team which will take us forward into this new Parliament,” said Charles Kennedy.
“Following our excellent general election result on May 5 we have brought together a superb team of individuals, combining experience with youth. I am confident that we will continue to provide a real alternative to the Labour government as the new parliamentary session gets underway.”
Elsewhere, Chris Huhne becomes a treasury spokesman, Nick Clegg a foreign affairs spokesman, and David Heath a constitutional affairs spokesman.
