The list that follows is the Liberal Democrats frontbench team led by Paddy Ashdown, who was party leader from 1988 to 1999. Initially known as a frontbench team, the Lib Dems began to refer to their Frontbench Team as a "Shadow Cabinet" during the leadership of Ashdown's successor, Charles Kennedy, although the use of the term is controversial.
Liberal Democrat Frontbench team
Leader of the Liberal Democrats - Paddy Ashdown
Deputy Leader with responsibility for the strategic direction of the Party in Parliament - Alan Beith Chief Whip and Shadow Leader of the House - Paul Tyler Deputy Whip - Andrew Stunell Whips - Edward Davey Donald Gorrie Adrian Sanders Party President - Robert Maclennan Agriculture and Rural Affairs - Charles Kennedy Food - Paul Tyler Fisheries - Andrew George Constitution - Robert Maclennan Spokesman for English Regions - Nick Harvey Scotland - Jim Wallace Wales - Richard Livsey Culture, Media and Sport/Civil Service - Robert Maclennan Arts and Broadcasting - Robert Maclennan Tourism - Ronnie Fearn Sport - Nigel Jones Disabled People - Paul Burstow Education and Employment - Don Foster Nursery Education and Schools; Labour market statistics - Don Foster Further, higher and adult education - Phil Willis Employment and training - Paul Keetch Environment and Transport - Matthew Taylor Norman Baker Tom Brake Sir Robert Smith Andrew Stunell Foreign Affairs, Defence and Europe - Menzies Campbell Foreign and Commonwealth, Europe and Defence - Menzies Campbell Defence - Mike Hancock Europe - David Heath International Development - Jenny Tonge Health - Simon Hughes Future of the NHS - Simon Hughes Public Health - Peter Brand NHS Staff, organisation and planning - Evan Harris Home and Legal Affairs - Alan Beith Home Affairs - Alan Beith Community relations and urban affairs - Richard Allan Legal Affairs (Attorney General; Solicitor General; Lord Chancellor) - John Burnett Bob Russell Local Government and Housing - Paul Burstow Local Government (Social Services and Community Care) - Paul Burstow Local Council Liaison - Paul Burstow Jackie Ballard Adrian Sanders Trade and Industry - David Chidgey Employment, Social Chapter and Minimum Wage - David Chigley Science and Technology - David Chigley Competition - Nigel Jones Small Business - Colin Breed Brian Cotter Treasury - Malcolm Bruce Edward Davey Vince Cable Wales - Richard Livsey Lembit Opik Women - Jackie Ballard Young People - Lembit Opik