Charles Kennedy is considering proposals which would close down nine government departments.

The 40 page plan aims to identify cost savings to free up money for hospitals, schools and pensions. It shows how the party could fight the next election calling for big spending increases for public services while, for the first time, not seeking an overall rise in tax.

Today's Times says that getting rid of ministries such as the DTI and Defra would mean the number of ministers falling from 88 to 60.