Huhne appointed to Lib Dem front bench in charge of value for money

2.38.41pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 18th May 2005

Chris Huhne, Eastleigh's new MP, has been appointed to the Liberal Democrat front bench as the party's spokesman on value for money in public spending.

Mr Huhne, who was previously economics spokesman for the European Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament, takes on the role of Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury in Charles Kennedy's new team.

The two principal roles of the Shadow Chief Secretary are to monitor the Government's spending of public money and to scrutinise and amend any financial provisions following the budget in the Finance Bill.

Mr Huhne said: "I am surprised and delighted to have such a key role in the new front bench team. Helping taxpayers get value for money is one of the most important roles for any parliamentarian, and this job gives me a great opportunity to do that".