Ex-ITN man joins Lib Dems' team

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Former ITN correspondent Mark Webster is to join Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell's press team as he prepares for the next General Election.

Mr Webster becomes his senior media spokesman, part of efforts to create a battle-ready team in case there is an earlier-than-expected general election.

He worked for ITN for two decades in posts including political and Moscow correspondent, and is now at Five News.

He said he wanted to help communicate the Lib Dems' "vision and... values".

Announcing the new appointment, which will take effect from June, Sir Menzies said: "Mark is a highly experienced journalist and I am delighted that he has agreed to join our communications team.

"He has the perfect experience for this role and I know that he will make a significant contribution to our communications as we prepare for the next general election."

He will work alongside Puja Darbari, Sir Menzies's press secretary, communications director Jon Oates and the party's head of media - who has yet to be appointed.

The Liberal Democrats have said they are prepared for a snap General Election should Tony Blair's successor choose to call one. The next election can be called at any date up to Spring 2010.