Sir Menzies said he was 'relishing' leading his team

Defeated leadership rival Chris Huhne is made environment spokesman.

Nick Clegg, a key backer of Sir Menzies' leadership campaign and - like Mr Huhne - an MP only since last year, takes over at home affairs.

Michael Moore gets foreign affairs. Vincent Cable retains his post as Treasury spokesman, while Julia Goldsworthy is made his deputy.

'Formidable additions'

Steve Webb stays as health spokesman.

Sir Menzies said: "I'm delighted to be able to unveil these appointments. We have the brightest political generation in our ranks and I'm relishing the opportunity to lead them.

LIB DEM RESHUFFLE Home affairs - Nick Clegg Foreign affairs - Michael Moore Treasury - Vincent Cable Health - Steve Webb Environment - Chris Huhne Deputy Treasury spokeswoman - Julia Goldsworthy

"Nick and Julia will be formidable additions to the shadow cabinet. Our new team will be more than a match for the government and the Conservatives."

The Lib Dem reshuffle is expected to be complete by Wednesday.

Sir Menzies said: "I have said we need to challenge orthodoxy. We need new thinking and fresh ideas.

"In a whole range of areas - the environment, civil liberties, Britain's place on the international stage and tackling poverty - only the Liberal Democrats can provide the fresh thinking we need."

Mr Clegg, 39, was previously Sir Menzies' deputy in the foreign affairs brief.

Mr Moore, 40, who has been an MP since 1997, was formerly the Lib Dem defence spokesman.

Ms Goldsworthy, who entered Parliament at the last general election, is, at 27, England's youngest MP.