News story

12 June 2001

Local MP Gets Senior Shadow Cabinet Role

Northavon MP Steve Webb been given a senior role in the new Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet by party leader Charles Kennedy. The MP, who saw his majority in Northavon increase more than fourfold at last week’s General Election, will shadow the newly created “Department of Work and Pensions” which builds on the existing Department of Social Security and takes on additional responsibility for employment and disability issues. Steve Webb, who is widely respected for his knowledge of social security issues will shadow the newly enlarged Department and will again be doing battle with Alistair Darling on the Government side. The Northavon MP will also have a backup team of Lib Dem MPs which is currently being finalised.

Commenting on the appointment, Steve Webb said:

“Issues of work and benefits, pensions and disability touch on the everyday concerns of almost all of my constituents. I am very much looking forward to taking on these new responsibilities and to holding the Government to account on the national stage. I will also be keeping up my campaigns on behalf of Britain’s older citizens, far too many of whom still get little reward for a lifetime of hard work”.



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