As the election approaches the Liberal Democrats have appointed another new spin chief.

BT executive Sandy Walkington, a longstanding Liberal activist, will join the party's staff next month as director of general election communications.

The move further bolsters Charles Kennedy's campaign team at the Cowley Street HQ following the recent recruitment of Mark Littlewood as head of the party's press office.

Walkington is a former Liberal Party head of research and Liberal/SDP Alliance parliamentary candidate who has also worked in the private sector for several years.

Party chief executive Lord Rennard said effective communications would be vital as the election campaign steps up in pace.

"This is another significant strengthening of the Liberal Democrat team as we approach the general election," he said.

"Sandy Walkington will work closely with Jackie Rowley, Charles Kennedy's director of communications, and with [parliamentary party chairman] Matthew Taylor MP, on the completion of the party's manifesto."

Walkington added that: "I am delighted to have been asked to join the Liberal Democrat campaign team at such an important point. 

"The party is already demonstrating on every issue that it is the effective opposition.  Under Charles Kennedy's leadership, it is putting forward powerful alternative policies for better government through the strongest team of spokespersons I have known. 

"The trajectory is clearly upwards, with the very real possibility of historic change in the shape of UK politics following the general election.

"My role will be to ensure this new public profile is effectively communicated at all levels. I also know the party will be put under scrutiny in the media and from the other parties as never before - and we will need to show ourselves ready and prepared to counter the mischief and misrepresentation that all too often comes from the Party's opponents."