New Liberal Democrat leader promotes

12.00.00am GMT Wed 8th Mar 2006

The new leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Menzies Campbell has today promoted local MP Tim Farron to become his first Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS). As Sir Menzies' PPS, Tim will be responsible for ensuring that Sir Menzies is kept well informed of backbench opinion and for advising him on current developments within the Parliamentary Party at Westminster.

Commenting Tim said;

"It's a real privilege to have been chosen by Ming to help him carry out his new duties as leader.

"Ming brings great experience and authority to the role, and I will help to ensure he continues to build on the achievements of Paddy Ashdown and Charles Kennedy.

"My focus remains fully on being the best possible local MP, representing the people of Westmorland and Lonsdale.

"I hope this senior appointment will allow local people and their concerns to be represented at the very heart of the decision making process in Westminster."