Lib Dems announce reshuffle
Menzies claims confidence in frontbench
Tuesday, 03, Jul 2007 12:00
The Liberal Democrats have enacted their own reshuffle after Gordon Brown introduced a new government last week.
Menzies Campbell has performed a more restrained reshuffle, however, insisting he has faith in his frontbench's ability to fight a reinvigorated Labour party.
Vincent Cable remains economic spokesman alongside Michael Moore speaking on foreign affairs and Nick Clegg on home affairs.
David Heath has been promoted from shadow leader of the house to shadow Jack Straw as justice secretary and lord chancellor.
Gordon Brown's decision to axe the Department for Trade and Industry sees former spokesman Susan Kramer moved to transport, while Alistair Carmichael becomes the spokesman for Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Former education spokesman Sarah Teather will now speak on universities while David Laws will shadow Ed Balls at the newly created schools department.
Danny Alexander takes Mr Laws' place in work and pensions, where he has been promoted from a junior position.
The Lib Dem leader has shown faith in the tabloid-haunting Lembit Opik and kept him in his shadow Cabinet, moving him sideways to speak on business. Roger Williams will replace him as Welsh spokesman.
Sir Ming said: "We are fortunate in having some of the brightest and most able people in the House of Commons. I am confident they will continue to hold the government to account and develop Lib Dem policy."
He promised to continue to attack Labour and the Conservatives on their "cosy consensus" on key issues ranging from the environment to civil liberties.
The Liberal Democrat leader has come under increasing pressure after successive opinion polls showed his party had been squeezed out by Labour and Tory gains.
Sir Menzies has insisted he plans to continue as leader and was taking "absolutely no notice" of calls from within his party for him to resign.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I am preparing my party for the next general election".