Clegg drops Cable for Alexander as Lib Dems reshape election team

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/07/liberal-democrats-election-nick-clegg-vince-cable

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Nick Clegg has finalised his lineup for the general election campaign – and it does not include a return to the role of economic spokesman for Vince Cable.

The deputy prime minister confirmed that cabinet ministers would stick to their existing briefs, meaning Cable – a respected economist who went head-to-head with George Osborne and Ed Balls in 2010 – will lead on business matters.

Instead, the Lib Dem seat in any televised debates on the economy will be filled by Danny Alexander, who as chief secretary to the Treasury has been the chancellor’s deputy.

Cable’s camp said he would remain an “important voice” on one of the central election battleground topics and sought to dismiss suggestions that the move represented a demotion for the former interim party leader. A source said: “We are very lucky as a party to have two senior spokespeople on the economy. That’s a good thing for us rather than a problem.”

Clegg’s choice was partly inspired by the belief that, after five years in the Treasury, Alexander “knows where the bodies are buried”, they suggested.

The full lineup sees Tim Farron, whose term as party president ended this month, handed the foreign affairs role, with Lynne Featherstone leading on home affairs. There are also returns for Sir Nick Harvey and Michael Moore, who lost their ministerial roles in reshuffles, covering defence and Europe.

Clegg said: “This talented frontbench have shown both inside government and beyond that they stand for a liberal Britain – one of openness, tolerance and compassion. This is a team that will never pander to the politics of grievance, fear and blame but instead work every day to keep Britain anchored in the centre ground.”