New Shadow Cabinet job for David Heath

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Jul 2007

David Heath appointed Shadow Justice Minister

David Heath has been appointed the new Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor.

As part of the reshuffle of the Liberal Democrat front-bench team announced by Sir Menzies Campbell today, Mr Heath has been asked to shadow Jack Straw in the new department which covers justice and legal matters, prisons and constitutional reform.

As such, he will be involved in the substantial programme of constitutional change announced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown today.

David Heath MP said: "I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to shadow the new Ministry of Justice; with its focus not only on the legal system but also on the whole spectrum of constitutional reform, it is clearly going to figure largely in the Government's legislative programme.

"Nothing could be more important than ensuring, protecting and enhancing the best of British Justice and creating a constitution and a parliament fit for the 21st century.

"From what we have heard from the Prime Minister today, much of which is a very welcome realisation that change in the style of government is necessary and urgent, and with the pressures on our legal system that can only grow, Jack Straw has a huge task to perform.

"I stand ready to co-operate when we can, oppose when we must, and lead when the Government is slow to recognise what must be done. With some of the finest legal and constitutional minds in the country to help me, I am confident that the Liberal Democrats will play a leading role in the debate that must now start and which is critical for the future of our country.

"In personal terms, the responsibilities of the new post are considerably more than I have had before. I'm excited at the prospect of leading the Liberal Democrats on such a crucial battleground, and I'm pleased that Ming and my colleagues have confidence in me to do the job well."