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Lib Dem reshuffle 'for snap poll' Parties eye 'surprise election'
(about 4 hours later)
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell has reshuffled his front bench team, in preparation for a possible snap general election next year. Labour's rivals are eyeing the possibility of a snap general election, when Tony Blair steps down next year.
Norman Lamb is health spokesman, Edward Davey replaces him as chief of staff. The Liberal Democrats have reshuffled their front bench, and appointed a manifesto chairman, to put them on an election footing.
Susan Kramer takes on the DTI portfolio and hands the international affairs brief to Lynne Featherstone. They believe there could be an election as early as October 2007.
The Lib Dems believe there is a good chance Gordon Brown might call an election, if he takes over when Tony Blair steps down as prime minister. Tory leader David Cameron said voters should be given the chance to vote on the new Labour prime minister "as soon as is reasonably possible".
They have already made Steve Webb chairman of the manifesto team in preparation for a possible October election. The government does not have to hold another general election until 2010, but Labour chairman Hazel Blears has already warned activitists it may be as early as spring 2008.
'Real possibility''Real possibility'
The Lib Dems believe it could be as early as October 2007, if Chancellor Gordon Brown succeeds Mr Blair as prime minister - as is widely expected - when he steps down in the next nine months.
They have already made Steve Webb chairman of the manifesto team in preparation for a possible October election.
He's off. Someone new is coming. They need a mandate David Cameron
Sir Menzies said: "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 one of the best and brightest within our Parliamentary ranks."Sir Menzies said: "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 one of the best and brightest within our Parliamentary ranks."
Ms Featherstone, a former London Assembly member who became an MP in 2005, joins the front bench for the first time. Lib Dem chief of staff Norman Lamb has been appointed health spokesman and campaigns chairman Edward Davey replaces him as chief of staff.
Edward Davey will keep his role as campaigns chairman, in addition to his new duties. Susan Kramer takes on the trade and industry portfolio and hands the international affairs brief to Lynne Featherstone.
Sir Menzies said Mrs Kramer's background in business made her ideal as DTI spokeswoman - the former Citibank vice-president set up her own consultancy on transport projects in central and eastern Europe. Public test
And he said Mr Lamb, who has been chief of staff since Sir Menzies became party leader in March, was one of the Lib Dems' "most effective spokespeople" and would take the battle to Labour on NHS reform. Meanwhile, David Cameron said in a radio interview that the new Labour leader should be subject to an immediate test of public support.
Mr Lamb said he was thrilled at the move, adding: "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." "Tony Blair said at the last election he would serve a full term, so when he goes, no subsequent Labour prime minister can really in their heart claim to have a mandate from the British people," he told Classic FM.
The rest of the Lib Dem front bench team remains the same. Sir Menzies has made Norman Lamb health spokesman
"So it would be right actually to hold a general election as soon as is reasonably possible, because the British people thought they were electing Tony Blair.
"He's off. Someone new is coming. They need a mandate."
In a letter to party activists in December, Ms Blears said a general election may be "less than 16 months away".
She added: "The Tories are making a comeback, the next general election will not be easy.
"A swing against Labour of just 1.3% could see the Tories forming the next government."