Charles Kennedy is today set to assert his new found authority and announce a new frontbench team for the Liberal Democrats.

With a strong focus on a new generation of MPs, including Ed Davey and Mark Oaten, the chief casualty will be Nick Harvey.

The chief whip, Paul Tyler, is set to be replaced by Andrew Stunnell.

Matthew Taylor, the Treasury spokesman, Menzies Campbell, the foreign affairs chief and Simon Hughes, who holds the home affairs brief, will all remain in place.