The Liberal Democrats have appointed a new head of their press office.

The party said Wednesday that Robin Banerji would take over from Elizabeth Peplow, who is leaving the party's organisation.

Banerji, a former head of communications at the Commission for Racial Equality, said he was looking forward to his new role.

"It is an extremely exciting time to be joining the Liberal Democrats in this role. I very much look forward to working with Charles Kennedy and everyone in the party to drive home the Liberal Democrats' key messages on policies and issues that matter to the whole of Britain," he said.

Party leader Charles Kennedy said: "As we establish our position as the effective opposition at Westminster, Robin will be a great asset."

David Walter will remain the party's director of communications, focusing on speech-writing, party political broadcasts and media training.