Baroness Burt named in Lib Dem election team

Baroness Lorely Burt will oversee the equality brief as part of a 34-strong team assembled by party leader Tim Farron.

The former MP for Solihull, who was born in Sedgley, is among a number of big hitters that have been brought into the fold as the party aims to increase its number of MPs from eight.

Other roles have been given to Vince Cable (chancellor), Nick Clegg (Europe and international trade), and Tom Brake (foreign affairs.

Former ministers Jo Swinson and Ed Davey have both taken positions as campaign spokespeople.

Mr Farron said: "I am delighted to announce my General Election campaign team, which brings together a wealth of experience and includes several former Liberal Democrat ministers.

"From challenging the Government over the economic risks of a hard Brexit to fighting for more funding for the NHS and social care services, together we will provide the strong opposition Britain needs.

"A Conservative landslide would be bad for jobs, bad for the NHS and care services and bad for our schools.

"A vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for a strong opposition that can change Britain's future.

"Every Liberal Democrat MP elected will strengthen our fight to keep us in the Single Market, rescue the NHS and social care from Conservative neglect and prevent savage cuts to school budgets."

Mr Farron has vowed to double the number of Lib Dem MPs in the June 8 poll.

Baroness Burt of Solihull was appointed to the House of Lords in 2015 and has previously served as Lib Dem business spokesperson.

She was one of 11 Lib Dem peers appointed at the time. She held Solihull for a decade, winning two elections by tiny majorities, before losing to Conservative Julian Knight in 2015.