Chamberlain reappointed as Liberal Democrat Chief Whip

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey announced the reshuffle on Wednesday, which is the Liberal Democrats’ first reshuffle since the party won a record number of 72 seats in the general election.

Ed Davey urged his party to focus on the “people’s priorities” and “clean up the mess left by the Conservative party.” The reshuffle follows Ed Davey’s speech at the Liberal Democrat conference this weekend, where he set out plans to be a “responsible opposition”.

Ms Chamberlain has vowed to continue being the voice for the people of North East Fife in Westminster. Since being first elected in 2019, Chamberlain has passed the Carer’s Leave Act, which gives unpaid carers the right to leave. She has also consistently campaigned on issues impacting the people of North East Fife, such as access to cash, universal credit, housing and transport links.

She was the Chair of the All Party Parliamentarian Group (APPG) for Ending The Need for Foodbanks, which has worked closely with the Trussell Trust, to highlight the impact the cost of living crisis has had and the resulting increase in people accessing foodbanks.

Not only this, she has been central to raising awareness about PANS PANDA in Westminster, setting up the APPG for it after a constituent shared her difficulties in accessing support for her children with the condition. It does not stop there, Chamberlain has been an avid advocate for women’s rights with her role as Chair of the APPG for Afghan Women and Girls. She has supported efforts to bring women to safety, and recently attended the first summit held by Afghan women.

Chamberlain’s work in Westminster was further recognised when she won the Best Scot in Westminster Award at the Holyrood Magazine awards.

Commenting on the reappointment, Chamberlain said: “It is an honour to have been reappointed as Chief Whip of the Liberal Democrats.

“I will not take this responsibility for granted, and will use it to hold the Government to account and give a voice to local people on the key issues they care about most.

“Our country faces many challenges after years of chaos under the previous Conservative government.

“Our local area has seen health services buckle under strain, and too many families and pensioners face a harsh cost of living crisis.

“Now is the time for a proper opposition in Westminster that will champion the people’s priorities.

“I’m so happy to be able to pass on the Department for Work and Pensions portfolio onto the incredible Steve Darling MP, who I know will do a fantastic job in this role.

“Although I’m handing on the portfolio, I will still be keeping up my interests in unpaid carers and Foodbanks. I’m grateful to both Carers UK and the Trussell Trust for their support on the current APPGs.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey said: “My new frontbench will champion the people’s priorities, ensuring we hold the new government to account as a responsible opposition.

“I am humbled by the result of the General Election and the millions of voters who put their trust in the Liberal Democrats, including many for the first time.

“We will stand up for our communities every day on the issues that matter most, fixing health and care services, tackling the cost of living crisis and protecting our precious environment.

“I am so proud of my entire team of 72 Liberal Democrat MPs who will serve as strong local champions in Westminster as we clean up the mess left by the Conservative Government.”