Menu
13/10/2003
New Lib Dem frontbench team unveiled
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has announced a shake-up of his frontbench team.
The party's leader said today he was "delighted to confirm the revised set of appointments," which will take now take the party forward to the next General Election. The reshuffle has seen the Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet reduced from 29 to 25 posts.
Vince Cable is to take over as Shadow Chancellor, and Mark becomes the Shadow Home Secretary. Paul Burstow steps up to the Shadow Health Secretary post and Simon Hughes will be spokesperson for London as well as London Mayoral Candidate.
Mr Kennedy said: "The Liberal Democrats go into the new parliamentary season both united and determined, positive and outward-looking. We are ready to compete even more effectively with the other two parties and argue with sincerity and persuasion for our vision of an improved Britain.
"The party conference season, which followed the remarkable Brent by-election campaign, has confirmed a Labour government riven with rivalries and a Conservative party consumed with bitterness. The contrast with the Liberal Democrats could hardly be more pronounced."
Other appointments are: John Thurso as Shadow Transport and Scotland Secretary; Don Foster as Shadow Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport; Sandra Gidley as spokesman for Older People as well as Shadow Minister for Women.
Tom Brake joins the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Secretary for International Development, and Malcom Bruce rejoins the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Secretary for Trade and Industry.
"The new team provides the appropriate blend of experience and youth which is the hallmark of our party. I look forward with fresh enthusiasm to the great challenges and opportunities ahead,” Mr Kennedy added.
Evan Harris, Nick Harvey, Sir Archy Kirkwood and Jenny Tonge are all stepping down.
(gmcg)
The party's leader said today he was "delighted to confirm the revised set of appointments," which will take now take the party forward to the next General Election. The reshuffle has seen the Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet reduced from 29 to 25 posts.
Vince Cable is to take over as Shadow Chancellor, and Mark becomes the Shadow Home Secretary. Paul Burstow steps up to the Shadow Health Secretary post and Simon Hughes will be spokesperson for London as well as London Mayoral Candidate.
Mr Kennedy said: "The Liberal Democrats go into the new parliamentary season both united and determined, positive and outward-looking. We are ready to compete even more effectively with the other two parties and argue with sincerity and persuasion for our vision of an improved Britain.
"The party conference season, which followed the remarkable Brent by-election campaign, has confirmed a Labour government riven with rivalries and a Conservative party consumed with bitterness. The contrast with the Liberal Democrats could hardly be more pronounced."
Other appointments are: John Thurso as Shadow Transport and Scotland Secretary; Don Foster as Shadow Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport; Sandra Gidley as spokesman for Older People as well as Shadow Minister for Women.
Tom Brake joins the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Secretary for International Development, and Malcom Bruce rejoins the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Secretary for Trade and Industry.
"The new team provides the appropriate blend of experience and youth which is the hallmark of our party. I look forward with fresh enthusiasm to the great challenges and opportunities ahead,” Mr Kennedy added.
Evan Harris, Nick Harvey, Sir Archy Kirkwood and Jenny Tonge are all stepping down.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 September 2010
David Miliband Says Party Now Has A "Great Leader"
In his latest speech to the Labour conference, David Miliband has said the party now has a "great leader" in his younger brother Ed. The shadow foreign secretary, added "I'll be fine" before calling for party unity and receiving a standing ovation.
David Miliband Says Party Now Has A "Great Leader"
In his latest speech to the Labour conference, David Miliband has said the party now has a "great leader" in his younger brother Ed. The shadow foreign secretary, added "I'll be fine" before calling for party unity and receiving a standing ovation.
06 December 2005
Cameron elected new party leader
David Cameron has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party. Mr Cameron will succeed Michael Howard to become the party’s fifth leader in eight years. The Shadow Education Secretary defeated his rival, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis, by 134,446 votes to 64,398, in a postal ballot of party members across the UK.
Cameron elected new party leader
David Cameron has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party. Mr Cameron will succeed Michael Howard to become the party’s fifth leader in eight years. The Shadow Education Secretary defeated his rival, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis, by 134,446 votes to 64,398, in a postal ballot of party members across the UK.
29 September 2005
Conservative rivals launch leadership campaigns
Conservative leadership rivals David Davis and David Cameron have launched their campaigns for the party leadership. The Shadow Home Secretary and Shadow Education Secretary both gave speeches to their supporters within an hour of each other on Thursday.
Conservative rivals launch leadership campaigns
Conservative leadership rivals David Davis and David Cameron have launched their campaigns for the party leadership. The Shadow Home Secretary and Shadow Education Secretary both gave speeches to their supporters within an hour of each other on Thursday.
11 May 2005
Howard to step down before Christmas
Conservative leader Michael Howard has confirmed that he will stand down before Christmas. Speaking to the ‘Daily Telegraph’, Mr Howard said that wanted an “open and honest debate” about the future of the party and said that he hoped the Conservatives would have a new leader by Christmas.
Howard to step down before Christmas
Conservative leader Michael Howard has confirmed that he will stand down before Christmas. Speaking to the ‘Daily Telegraph’, Mr Howard said that wanted an “open and honest debate” about the future of the party and said that he hoped the Conservatives would have a new leader by Christmas.
08 October 2010
Miliband Appoints Shadow Cabinet
Ed Miliband has appointed his new team for the shadow cabinet. The former Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, has been named as Shadow Chancellor. Mr Johnson will play a key role as Labour develops its economic strategy. Ed Balls will become Home Secretary, while his wife Yvette Cooper, has been appointed Shadow Foreign Secretary.
Miliband Appoints Shadow Cabinet
Ed Miliband has appointed his new team for the shadow cabinet. The former Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, has been named as Shadow Chancellor. Mr Johnson will play a key role as Labour develops its economic strategy. Ed Balls will become Home Secretary, while his wife Yvette Cooper, has been appointed Shadow Foreign Secretary.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
