Hughes is axed in Lib-Dem reshuffle

Liberal Democrat mayoral challenger Simon Hughes has been axed from his post as home affairs spokesman by party leader Charles Kennedy.

Mr Hughes was understood to have wanted to keep his job in the reshuffle despite facing Ken Livingstone, Tory Steve Norris and Labour's Nicky Gavron in the London elections next May.

He will remain in Mr Kennedy's "shadow cabinet", though in the more junior role as spokesman for the capital.

Another victim of the reshuffle is Treasury spokesman Matthew Taylor, who will now chair the parliamentary party, with former trade spokesman Vincent Cable taking over his job.

Former party chairman Mark Oaten becomes home affairs spokesman, while Paul Burstow takes over the health portfolio from Evan Harris.

Tom Brake joins Mr Kennedy's top team as international development spokesman.

Mr Kennedy said his new team "provides the appropriate blend of experience and youth which is the hallmark of our party".