Former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg set to return to Lib Dem front bench

Nick Clegg Credit: PA

Former deputy prime minister is set to return to the Lib Dem's front bench, the Party has confirmed.

The MP for Sheffield Hallam is to take the lead for the Lib Dems in holding the Government to account over Brexit, Party leader Tim Farron announced.

The 49-year-old will cover the exiting the EU and international trade portfolios in the Lib Dem "shadow cabinet", pitting him against David Davis and Liam Fox.

Tim Farron replaced Nick Clegg as leader of the Lib Dems. Credit: PA

Announcing his new top team, Mr Farron said they were committed to fighting to keep Britain "open, tolerant and united".

"Together we will provide the strong Liberal voice that Britain desperately needs to stand up to this Tory Brexit Government," he said.

"The Tories have no plans to protect the interests of the country in the wake of Brexit.

"Labour is in disarray. Only the Liberal Democrats can confront the Government and stand up for people's jobs and livelihoods."

Other appointments include former Scottish secretary Alistair Carmichael as shadow first secretary of state, while former Scotland Yard deputy assistant commissioner Lord Paddick will cover home affairs; Baroness Kramer treasury; Tom Brake foreign affairs and Norman Lamb health.

Mr Clegg stood down as leader of the Liberal Democrats following the 2015 General Election when the Party went from 57 seats to just eight.