Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey has unveiled his new top team after the party took a record number of seats at the general election.
He said his 33-member frontbench team will champion “the people’s priorities”, with a focus on issues including the NHS, social care and the rising cost of living.
The Liberal Democrats are the third largest party in the House of Commons after their numbers grew to a record 72 at July’s general election, up significantly on a previous cohort of 15 MPs.
Politics live: Concern in government over Starmer’s willingness to accept gifts
A number of new Lib Dem MPs are among Sir Ed’s new frontbench – Lisa Smart is the party’s home affairs spokesperson and Calum Miller is the spokesperson for foreign affairs.
Helen Morgan, who became the MP for North Shropshire at a by-election in 2021, will lead the party on health and social care – a clear priority for the party.
Meanwhile, Daisy Cooper will remain as deputy leader, and take on the new role of Treasury spokesperson with a focus on the cost of living crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
‘Can you describe Ed Davey in one word?’
The Liberal Democrats have also appointed Christine Jardine as Scotland spokesperson, and newly elected MP David Chadwick as Wales spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Layla Moran, Alistair Carmichael and Jamie Stone have stepped back from the frontbench to become select committee chairs.
Read more from Sky News:
ITV boss defends letting Ed Balls interview wife Yvette Cooper
Huw Edwards’ sentence not eligible for review
This leaves the party with a backbench of 39 MPs – more than double its previous number of elected members alone.
Sir Ed said his new frontbench will “champion the people’s priorities, ensuring we hold the new government to account as a responsible opposition”.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
He added: “I am humbled by the result of the general election and the millions of voters who put their trust in the Liberal Democrats, including many for the first time.
“We will stand up for our communities every day on the issues that matter most, fixing health and care services, tackling the cost of living crisis and protecting our precious environment.
“I am so proud of my entire team of 72 Liberal Democrat MPs who will serve as strong local champions in Westminster as we clean up the mess left by the Conservative government.”
Leave a Reply