Charles Kennedy appoints David Heath to the Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet

10.10.00am GMT Thu 8th Dec 2005

Charles Kennedy, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, today announced the appointment of David Heath, MP for Somerton and Frome, to full membership of the Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Leader of the House of Commons.

Since the General Election, David has been the Liberal Democrat Shadow Leader of the House of Commons - a post which until now has been outside of the Shadow Cabinet. He has also been acting as a key adviser to the Mr Kennedy on internal parliamentary party matters.

Commenting on today's appointment, Mr Kennedy said

"David has emerged, both within the parliamentary party and across the House of Commons, as a figure who commands professional respect and engenders personal trust. He is someone whose advice I find extremely valuable.

It has become clear that this parliament is going to be much more unpredictable and intriguing than the past two. David's experience will be brought to bear in my own and the party's internal deliberations.

He takes up his new responsibilities with immediate effect."

David Heath said:

"I am delighted to join the shadow cabinet. The House of Commons will play a crucial role in the coming months. As has been already demonstrated this Labour government can now be defeated by parliament and this bodes well for the Liberal Democrats as the real alternative.

I am looking forward to playing a major part in both our party's and our parliament's activities. I am grateful to Charles for the confidence he has placed in me."