Frontbench appointment for Gideon Amos

The Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, has appointed Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, to be the party’s Housing and Planning Spokesperson.

The appointment of the local MP to the role follows the party's first reshuffle since it won a record number of seats in the General Election. 

Ed Davey has urged his party to focus on the “people’s priorities” and “clean up the mess left by the Conservative party.” 

The new appointment follows the party leader's speech to the Liberal Democrat Conference at the weekend, where he set out plans to be a “responsible opposition”.

Mr Amos has vowed to take local issues in Taunton and Wellington to the heart of Westminster. 

He said: “It's an honour to take on this role speaking nationally for the Liberal Democrats on Housing and Planning.

“I'll be taking the opportunity to challenge the Government to better safeguard our most precious green spaces - like those at Orchard Portman and beneath Wellington Monument - and to ensure developments like Comeytrowe, Monkton Heathfield and in Wellington and Rockwell Green deliver the infrastructure that’s needed. 

“Housing developments must support the delivery of extra GPs, and the return of NHS dentists, and give Taunton and Wellington's young people access to housing they can genuinely afford - too often they have been an afterthought.

“Now is the time for a proper opposition in Westminster which will champion the people’s priorities.”

Ed Davey added: “My new frontbench will ensure we hold the new government to account as a responsible opposition.

“I am humbled by the result of the General Election and the millions of voters who put their trust in the Liberal Democrats, including many for the first time. 

“We will stand up for our communities every day on the issues that matter most, fixing health and care services, tackling the cost-of-living crisis and protecting our precious environment.

“I am so proud of my entire team of 72 Liberal Democrat MPs who will serve as strong local champions in Westminster as we clean up the mess left by the Conservative government."