Nick Clegg has appiinted Lynne Featherstone to replace Norman Baker at the Home Office.
That strikes me as a shrewd appointment. Mrs Featherstone was previously a Home Office Minister – before being moved to International Development. Thus the obvious query as to whether she is capable of working with Theresa May has the retort that she has done so before.
Mr Clegg has also taken the opportunity to remove two more Lib Dem MPs from the Government. Mark Hunter and Jenny Willott both leave the Whips office. It is understood that they both jumped rather than being pushed – and the reason was that both wish to spend more time campaigning to cling on in their constituencies. Mr Hunter in Cheadle has a majority over the Conservatives of 3,272. Miss Wilmott on Cardiff Central has a majority over Labour of 4,576.
Baroness Northover becomes the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at DfID.
Lorely Burt MP becomes an Assistant Government Whip.
Tom Brake MP is Assistant Government Whip, as well as Deputy Leader of the House of Commons.
Baroness Garden becomes a Government Whip.