Kennedy promotes 'attack dog' Baker

Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrats' chief "attack dog" who brought down Peter Mandelson with his questioning, was chief beneficiary of a reshuffle yesterday when he was given a frontbench role.

Charles Kennedy promoted Mr Baker, a junior home affairs spokesman, to the Shadow cabinet as head of the environment team, removing the veteran MP Malcolm Bruce from the role. Mr Brucerefused an undisclosed frontbench post. Andrew George, fisheries spokesman, takes over Mr Bruce's Rural Affairs and Food post after the job was split in two.

Ed Davey takes on responsibility for local government and the regions and David Lawsbecomes Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Sandra Gidley was promoted to the Shadow cabinet as spokesman for women.