Sir Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, has announced his newly formed Frontbench team following the Party’s success in the July General Election, which saw 72 Liberal Democrat MPs elected. This achievement makes the Liberal Democrats the largest third party in the House of Commons in over a century.[1]
Sir Ed has vowed that his team will ‘hold the new Government to account as a responsible opposition.’[2] Daisy Cooper MP, formerly the Health and Care Spokesperson, will continue as Deputy Leader while taking on a new role as the Treasury Spokesperson. Meanwhile, Helen Morgan MP has been appointed as the new Health and Care Spokesperson and will lead the Party’s health team.
Health and Care Spokesperson – Helen Morgan MP
Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, has been appointed as the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health and Care. In this role, Ms Morgan is responsible for communicating the Party’s position on their health and care portfolio.
Ms Morgan has been MP for North Shropshire since November 2021. In July 2022, she was appointed Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Levelling up, Housing and Communities and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Local Government.
Ms Morgan is a Chartered Accountant and before joining Parliament, she worked for companies including British Gas, Centrica and KPMG.
Following her appointment, Ms Morgan said:[3]
“I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to secure the changes we so desperately need – both here in Shropshire and across the country.
“Fixing the NHS and social care is a key priority for the Liberal Democrats and a key priority for me, so I can’t wait to get started and feel ready for the challenge.
“From ambulances to A&E to maternity wards and social care, I intend to work harder than ever for a system that works for everyone.”
Mental Health Spokesperson – Dr Danny Chambers MP
Dr Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester, has been appointed as Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Mental Health.
Dr Chambers has been MP for Winchester since 4 July 2024. Before entering Parliament, he worked as a veterinary surgeon and is a trustee of Vetlife, a mental health charity.
Care and Carers Spokesperson – Alison Bennett MP
Alison Bennett, MP for Mid Sussex, has been appointed as Liberal Democrate Spokesperson for Care and Carers.
Ms Bennett has been MP for Mid Sussex since 4 July 2024. Prior to entering Parliament, she graduated from the University of Cambridge with a degree in social and political sciences, before working for British Airways and then E.ON.
She served as a member of Mid Sussex District Council, representing the wards of Hurstpierpoint and Downs from 2019 and 2024 and Hurstpierpoint since 2023. Ms Bennett was the council’s deputy leader when she was selected to stand in the 2024 General Election.
Hospitals and Primary Care Spokesperson – Jess Brown-Fuller MP
Jess Brown-Fuller, MP for Chichester, has been appointed as Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Hospitals and Primary Care.
Ms Brown-Fuller believes been MP for Chichester since 4 July 2024.
Brown-Fuller has served as the events officer for Midhurst Town Council. She is a member of Chichester District Council, first elected in the 2024 council election.
Ms Brown-Full says that improving access to the NHS is a big driver for her since losing her father to cancer when he was unable to access diagnostic and treatment services during the covid-19 pandemic.[4]
What are the Liberal Democrat’s policy positions on health?
Ahead of the July General Election, the Party outlined its vision for health policy in the UK. Their manifesto emphasised that investing in prevention through public health initiatives and primary care is the most effective way to improve well-being and ease the pressure on NHS services.
Key health policy issues that the Liberal Democrats have pledged to tackle include:
- Improving access to GP services with 8,000 more GPs
- Ensure access to NHS dentists for everyone needing urgent and emergency care
- Enhancing access to mental health services through mental health hubs in every community
- Boosting cancer survival rates with a guarantee for 100 per cent of patients to start treatment for cancer within 62 days from urgent referral.
- Investing in public health to improve quality of life for everyone
[1] Liberal Democrats, ’72 Liberal Democrat MPs, ‘6 July 2024, link
[2] BBC News, ‘Lib Dems unveil new top team after election success’, 18 September 2024, link
[3] Shropshire Live ‘Helen Morgan MP given key Liberal Democrat role’, 18 September 2024, link
