Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell has announced new roles and appointments in his Shadow Cabinet as a key stage in the party’s preparations for a possible 2007 General Election.

Norman Lamb, who has been Chief of Staff to Menzies Campbell since March, takes on the high-profile role as Shadow Health Secretary. Edward Davey becomes the Leader’s new Chief of Staff, which will be alongside his present role as Chair of Campaigns and Communications. The DTI portfolio is taken on by Susan Kramer, who passes on the International Development portfolio to Lynne Featherstone, who joins the Shadow Cabinet for the first time.

Steve Webb was promoted to Chair of the Election manifesto team in October. The rest of the Shadow Cabinet remains unchanged.

"A snap General Election next year is a real possibility. With Steve Webb taking on the vital task of co-ordinating our election manifesto, I have had the chance to promote some of the brightest and best within our Parliamentary ranks.

"I am delighted that Edward Davey has agreed to complement his role as Chair of Campaigns and Communications with becoming my Chief of Staff.

"Norman Lamb has done a fantastic job of building a professional and proficient leader’s team since March. He is one of our most effective spokespeople, and will be formidable in taking the battle to Labour over the vital issue of reforming the NHS.

"With her impressive background in business and the city, Susan Kramer will be more than a match for the Government and the Conservatives on trade and industry.

"Lynne Featherstone is one of our very best campaigners and after her excellent work as Home Affairs Spokesperson, I am delighted that she has joined our Shadow Cabinet team."

"Our next manifesto will reinforce our commitment to a society founded on freedom, fairness and sustainability.

"At the next election the Liberal Democrat manifesto will be a bold and clear statement of liberal principles applied to the rapidly changing world in which we live."

"I’m thrilled at the prospect of taking the health post, particularly at the time when the health service is faced with so many challenges.

"The Liberal Democrats will continue to challenge the Government over how the record investment in the NHS has failed to secure sufficient and sustained improvements in front-line care."

"I’m delighted that I’ve been asked to become Ming’s Chief of Staff, not least because it fits in so well with my role in the election campaign.

"With Tony Blair on his way out, the chance of an early election is significant and so these changes makes perfect sense to get the team ready for that date."

"I am looking forward to taking over this key role.

"Coming from a business background will allow me to employ an approach pruning unwanted and outdated regulations and finding new ways to achieve the underlying goals.

"I am absolutely delighted to be given such an important role as we move towards a possible autumn election.

"Fast paced globalisation means that what happens in one part of the world, increasingly affects us all and the Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign for Britain to play a more constructive international role."