Local MP appointed to shadow cabinet

8.57.37am GMT Tue 7th Oct 2008

MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron has today been appointed as the Liberal Democrats' Shadow Secretary of State for DEFRA by party leader Nick Clegg.

Commenting on the promotion Mr Farron said:

"I am absolutely delighted to be given this role in the shadow cabinet and look forward to taking rural campaigns to a national stage.

"This role gives me a fantastic opportunity to raise issues faced by so many residents in Westmorland and Lonsdale.

"With the threats to rural life from this Government's policies on blue tongue, hill farming and the chronic shortage of affordable housing there is lots of work to be done; but I am determined to meet the challenge head on and hold the government accountable for it's actions."