10 March 2006
There were rewards for both supporters and rivals as new Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell unveiled his front-bench team this week.
Chris Huhne, who used his leadership campaign to advance green tax proposals, was appointed environment spokesman. Nick Clegg, a prominent Campbell supporter, was promoted to the
high-profile home affairs brief. Scottish MP Michael Moore takes over Campbell's old position at foreign affairs.
Local government spokeswoman Sarah Teather was promoted to the education brief, taking over from Ed Davey, who now shadows trade and industry. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister brief goes to chief whip Andrew Stunell.
Elsewhere there was continuity, with Vince Cable remaining as Treasury spokesman and Steve Webb keeping the health portfolio.
But in a striking move, 28-year-old Julia Goldsworthy, England's youngest MP, was promoted to Cable's team, where she will shadow the chief secretary to the Treasury.
'It is vital that we develop fresh thinking and new ideas, that we reduce the tax burden on the lowest paid in society,' she said.
Campbell said his new team would be more than a match for both the government and the Conservatives. 'We have the brightest political generation in our ranks,' he said.
PFmar2006
