LOCAL MP PROMOTED TO SHADOW CABINET - Farron to take rural campaigns to a national stage

2.09.06pm GMT Thu 20th Dec 2007

Local MP Tim Farron has today been promoted to the Liberal Democrats' Shadow Cabinet by the new party leader Nick Clegg. Tim will now speak for the party on rural affairs issues.

Speaking following the announcement, Tim said: "I am delighted to have been given this new role in the shadow cabinet."

Tim's new role has been created in recognition of the fact that DEFRA is now such a large Government department that rural affairs issues can sometimes come second place to concerns about climate change. By separating the roles slightly, Tim will really be able to concentrate on taking rural campaigns onto a national stage.

Tim continued: "By creating this new rural affairs role, Nick Clegg has given me the opportunity to take the concerns raised by residents in rural constituencies like Westmorland and Lonsdale onto a national stage.

"With the threats to rural life from this Government's policies on farming, post office closures, rural hospitals and an acute lack of affordable housing there is much to be done. I'm determined to use my new position to highlight the concerns of rural residents and get some real action from the Government and other agencies."