Matthew Taylor Rejoins Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet (Devon and Cornwall Liberal Democrats)

Devon and Cornwall Liberal Democrats <info@devon-cornwall-libdems.org.uk>

Matthew Taylor Rejoins Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet

June 14, 2006 3:02 PM

Matthew Taylor MP rejoins Shadow Cabinet

Matthew Taylor, one of the Liberal Democrats' most experienced MPs, has rejoined the Party's Shadow Cabinet. His role is to beef up and coordinate policies for poorer communities, as Shadow Minister for Social Exclusion.

The new appointment shadows Hilary Armstrong MP, who has a cross-departmental brief to tackle social exclusion and ensure Labour's efforts are properly coordinated.

Commenting on his new appointment, Matthew Taylor said:

"This job is all about tackling the problems that hit poorer communities, like those in Cornwall - and making sure Liberal Democrat policies to do it are joined up across all areas of Government. Ming has particularly asked me to look at the problems of housing, and the stress and over complication of the tax credit system, with our Housing and Social Security Spokesman.

"At a time when Liberal Democrats are reforming policies on cutting the tax burden on ordinary hardworking families, and tackling the threat of climate change, it is important we ensure that the issues facing the poorest communities are not left behind.

"It is often forgotten that the problems of poverty like homelessness, crime, poor educational opportunities, and the complications of the tax and benefits system, affect poorer rural communities at least as much as the inner cities. As a rural MP, I will be making sure our policies are good news for poorer families in rural communities, just as much as urban ones."

Liberal Democrat Party Leader, Ming Campbell added:

"Matthew is one of the most experienced and talented MPs of his generation.

"I am delighted to welcome him back to the Shadow Cabinet where he will play a full and vitally important role in our campaign against poverty and social exclusion. Social exclusion is a scourge in 21st century Britain and we shall continue to hold the Government to account for its failures."

Ming Campbell had asked Matthew Taylor to join this new Shadow Cabinet in March, but the Truro and St Austell MP turned down the offer to stand for Deputy Leader, which he missed by just two votes.