Changes not enough, say Lib Dems

Sir Menzies reiterated his call for a general election

Gordon Brown's first Cabinet does not provide enough of a "change of direction" in government, the Liberal Democrats have said.

Party leader Sir Menzies Campbell said the "failures" of the last 10 years were also the responsibility of those promoted by the prime minister.

He repeated his call for Mr Brown to hold a general election.

Mr Brown has appointed nine new members to the Cabinet and is expected to finalise his ministerial team tomorrow.

Iraq

Sir Menzies said: "Gordon Brown and his 'new' Cabinet cannot escape the last 10 years. Labour's failures are their failures too.

"Gordon Brown is the man who signed the cheques for the Iraq war and who raised taxes for the poorest and lowered them for the richest."

Mr Brown's Cabinet held its first meeting on Thursday.

Altogether, 14 members of Tony Blair's team remain, although there has been a reshuffle. Nine people are promoted to Cabinet rank.

Sir Menzies said: "Britain needs a change in direction, not just a change at the top.

"Tony Blair promised the British people that he would serve a full third term and that was the basis on which Labour were returned at the last election.

"Gordon Brown does not have a mandate to be prime minister and he should seek one by calling for a general election."