KEETCH DELIGHTED AT WHIPS APPOINTMENT

5.00.00pm GMT Tue 3rd Jul 2007

Hereford's Liberal Democrat MP Paul Keetch has been asked by his Party to serve as a member of the House of Commons Whips team in his last years in the Commons. Mr Keetch, who announced he would stand down as an MP at the next General Election, said he was delighted to have been asked.

"Being a member of the Commons Whips team is an exclusive club that in ten years as an MP I have not yet joined", said Mr Keetch.

"My Chief Whip asked me if I would be prepared to join the team to offer some advice and support to our newer and younger MPs. Ming Campbell also wanted me to do this role, so I am delighted to help. I will have some pastoral commitments to our MPs and specifically advise them on how the Chamber works and procedure in the Commons. I am really looking forward to it."

Paul Keetch will continue to serve as a member of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee.