Lib Dem deputy leader, Simon Hughes, is new justice minister

Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat deputy leader (AFP\Getty)

Simon Hughes, the Liberal Democrat deputy leader, has won a surprise promotion to his first Government post.

He was appointed a minister of state in the Ministry of Justice, replacing Lord McNally, who is becoming the chairman of the Youth Justice Board.

Mr Hughes is one of the longest-serving Liberal Democrat MPs, having sat in the Commons for 30 years. He is seen as a leading voice on the left of his party and stood unsuccessfully for its leadership in 2006.

Liberal Democrat MP Jenny Willott will stand in as a minister in the departments for Business, Innovation and Skills and Culture, Media and Sport from Friday) while Jo Swinson is on maternity leave.