New jobs for Susan Kramer MP and Lynne Featherstone MP in Ming's reshuffle

3.58.32pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 18th Dec 2006

Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell has announced new roles and appointments in his Shadow Cabinet as a key stage in the party's preparations for a possible 2007 General Election. The announcement brings the total number of women in the Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet to 5, the highest ever.

Norman Lamb, who has been Chief of Staff to Menzies Campbell since March, takes on the high-profile role as Shadow Health Secretary. Edward Davey becomes the Leader's new Chief of Staff, which will be alongside his present role as Chair of Campaigns and Communications. The DTI portfolio is taken on by Susan Kramer, who passes on the International Development portfolio to Lynne Featherstone, who joins the Shadow Cabinet for the first time.

Steve Webb was promoted to Chair of the Election manifesto team in October. The rest of the Shadow Cabinet remains unchanged.

Commenting on the changes, Menzies Campbell said:

"A snap General Election next year is a real possibility. With Steve Webb taking on the vital task of co-ordinating our election manifesto, I have had the chance to promote some of the brightest and best within our Parliamentary ranks.

"With her impressive background in business and the city, Susan Kramer will be more than a match for the Government and the Conservatives on trade and industry.

Lynne Featherstone has been promoted to the Shadow Cabinet

"Lynne Featherstone is one of our very best campaigners and after her excellent work as Home Affairs Spokesperson, I am delighted that she has joined our Shadow Cabinet team."

Commenting on her promotion to Liberal Democrat Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary, Susan Kramer MP said:

"I am looking forward to taking over this key role.

"Coming from a business background will allow me to employ an approach pruning unwanted and outdated regulations and finding new ways to achieve the underlying goals.

Commenting on her promotion to Liberal Democrat Shadow International Development Secretary, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

"I am absolutely delighted to be given such an important role as we move towards a possible autumn election.

"Fast paced globalisation means that what happens in one part of the world, increasingly affects us all and the Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign for Britain to play a more constructive international role."