WESTMORLAND and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has taken up a new role within the Liberal Democrats as leader Vince Cable begins to get his party in shape.

Mr Cable took over the position of party leader when the South Lakes MP stood down following the general election in June.

Mr Cable has now announced his first team of principal spokespeople and has put Mr Farron in charge of the north of England regeneration and rural affairs.

Mr Farron said the position gave him the chance to use his profile, gained during his own time as leader, to make a real difference to his own constituency.

"The position ticks every box and the reason I asked for it was because it gives me opportunities to make a difference for our area," he said.

"What I want to do now is serve the community I live in. I'm lucky to have a national profile and I want to make use of it, so you muck in and you take on responsibilities."

Mr Farron said the main issues he would be tackling included rural broadband, public transport, links between the north west and the north east, second home ownership, affordable homes and also helping to ensure a good Brexit deal is secured a strong future for the farming industry.

Mr Farron added since stepping down as leader he felt it was important to continue contributing to the party despite handing over the reins, and added he was enjoying focusing on Cumbria once again.

"Former leaders can go off into the wilderness or they can be a team player and help out the next person in," he said. "I felt I wanted to be a team player.

"Being leader was an honour and a duty. Being our local MP and having all the time available to concentrate on this area is a joy.

"I love every minute of what I do as our MP because I'm fighting alongside people and being their voice. Now when I go down to London, it's solely to fight Westmorland and Lonsdale's corner."