Kennedy announces his shadow cabinet

Paul Burstow has asked to leave the shadow cabinet, according to
the Liberal Democrat party leader Charles Kennedy,
writes Clare Jerrom.

Burstow, who has been the Liberal Democrat health spokesperson,
will continue to play a prominent role in parliament and in the
parliamentary party, according to the party’s statement.

Phil Willis, Malcolm Bruce and Paul Ketch have also asked to
leave the shadow cabinet and this takes the number of shadow
cabinet members from 25 to 21.

Mark Oaten remains shadow home secretary and Vince cable remains
shadow chancellor.

Steve Webb becomes shadow health secretary in the Liberal
Democrat re-shuffle while Ed Davey takes the post of shadow
education secretary.

David Laws becomes shadow work and pensions secretary while
Simon Hughes has been made the shadow to the Office of the Deputy
Prime Minister.

Kennedy said: “Following our excellent general election
result on the 5th May 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,” he concluded.