Lib Dems appoint new equality spokesperson

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Liberal Democrat leader Ming Campbell has appointed Jo Swinson as the party’s spokesperson on women and equality issues.

Ms Swinson, 27, is the youngest MP in the Commons, referred to as the Baby of the House. She was previously the party’s shadow Scotland spokesperson.

The party’s former spokesperson on women and equality issues, which includes gay rights, was Lorely Burt.

Ms Burt retains her brief shadowing the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, formerly the Department of Trade and Industry, with responsibility for small business.

Simon Hughes becomes shadow to the Leader of the House of Commons, facing Harriet Harman.

Last spring Mr Hughes gave an exclusive interview with PinkNews.co.uk where he revealed he is bisexual and happy to be out.

The Finance, Home Affairs and Foreign spokesmen, Vince Cable, Nick Clegg and Michael Moore, all remain in the same post.

Lembit Öpik MP, who has generated headlines because of his relationship with 50% of the Cheeky Girls, is promoted to lead spokesman for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.