Andrew Stunell was expected to take the local government reins for the Lib Dems. The party's former chief whip is expected to replace Sarah Teather as Lib Dem shadow cabinet minister for the ODPM. The 63-year-old has a strong background in local government, after six years as party group leader on Cheshire CC from 1985 to 1990, 11 years as a Chester City councillor from 1979 to 1990, a member of Stockport MBC from 1994 to 2002, and vice-president of the LGA in 1997. He is currently president of the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors.
