Mid Dorset & North Poole MP, Annette Brooke, has been appointed Shadow Minister for Children and Early Years for the Liberal Democrats

12.00.00am GMT Fri 5th Mar 2004

Annette Brooke will be making a return visit to Cuddles Day Nursery, Rossmore this Friday 5 March. The visit coincides with her appointment by the Liberal Democrats as their Shadow Minister for Children and Early Years.

Mid Dorset & North Poole MP appointed Shadow Minister for Children and Early Years for the Liberal Democrats

Commenting on how delighted she is to take up this appointment, Annette said:

"As a past teacher, a mother, and having campaigned hard on issues effecting children within my constituency, I am now glad to have a voice nationally on the subject of children's welfare."

"I have long been passionate about education and children's development. I have always supported the concept that families in need do require support as early as possible."

As spokesperson for Children, Annette will be responsible for shadowing Margaret Hodge, the Minister for Children whose portfolio includes child protection, children's social services, Sure Start, special educational needs, Connexions, the Youth Service and Children's Fund.

This new role comes at a particularly interesting time, as the government publishes its long awaited Children's Bill this week. This Bill will introduce new legislation to increase child protection and to ensure better co-ordination between all authorities dealing with children's issues and protection. Notably, the Children's Bill will introduce a Children's Commissioner for England, which the Liberal Democrats have long campaigned for.