Lynne Featherstone Replaces Norman Baker, Praises 'Constructive Relationship' With Theresa May

Featherstone Praises May As She Replaces Baker At Home Office

Lib Dem minister Lynne Featherstone has replaced Norman Baker at the Home Office. Baker quit the government on Monday evening after claiming he found it impossible to work with Conservative home secretary Theresa May.

However Featherstone, who had been serving as a development minister, struck a very different tone. The Hornsey and Wood Green MP said she had "always had a very constructive relationship with Theresa May" and looked forward to working with her again. Featherstone was a Home Office minister earlier in the coalition, between 2010 and 2012.

"I am very happy to be returning to the Home Office. I am very proud of what I was able to achieve in my previous role there, not least introducing equal marriage, ending the fingerprinting of children and banning wheel clamping on private land," she said.

"I am also looking forward to continuing my work tackling violence against women and girls and on ending FGM at home and abroad. I have always had a very constructive relationship with Theresa May and I look forward to working with her again."

Baker in his parting shot has said working under May was like "walking through mud". The Lib Dem accused the Tory cabinet minister of viewing her coalition colleagues as "a cuckoo in the nest rather than part of government".

Nick Clegg said Featherstone had proved to be an "exceptional minister over the last four and a half years" and said the Home Office would benefit from "her tough but liberal approach".

With Featherstone moving to the Home Office, Baroness Northover will take her old job at International Development.

Lorely Burt and Tom Brake become Assistant Government Whips - the latter alongside his job as Deputy Leader of the House - after the departures of Mark Hunter and Jenny Willott.

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