Norman Lamb elected vice-chair of Lib Dem policy committee

Earlier tonight Tim Farron chaired his first Federal Policy Committee as party leader, setting out – rightly – his intention to be closely involved in the FPC’s work. Or at least he did once he got the chat about football grounds out the way.

As I wrote when breaking the news that Tim Farron would chair FPC:

[A] question yet to be settled is whether Norman Lamb will also be on the committee. Norman has experience of chairing FPC and is one of the party’s few MPs with a good record of engaging fully in the policy process, getting out policies which turn into strong campaigning platforms.

That experience and expertise would make Norman a very useful detailed hands-on man to support Tim’s normal less hands-on committee running style.

It would also be a good route for Norman to get stuck into helping rebuild the party following his decision, quite understandably, to take a slightly quieter summer to catch his breath after the leadership contest and hence turning down the offer of economics spokesperson in Tim Farron’s team.

Good news on that score too, as yesterday the MPs elected Norman Lamb to the FPC and tonight he was elected to be one of the committee’s three vice chairs (alongside Duncan Brack and Julie Smith).

It is also Norman’s birthday today. Happy birthday Norman. Hope you got some better presents than a committee vice chair.