SOMERSET MP Sarah Dyke has been handed a leading role with her party.

The Glastonbury & Somerton MP has been appointed rural affairs spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats in an announcement made by Ed Davey.

Sarah, a fifth generation farmer’s daughter whose family has farmed in the area for 250 years, takes her place on the Lib Dem front bench after being elected to the EFRA Select Committee last year and also chairing the Rural Services all party parliamentary group.

It comes after fellow county representative, Anna Sabine (Lib Dem, Frome & East Somerset) was handed the culture, media and sport brief during the reshuffle.

Sarah thanked both Ed Davey for appointing her, and her team, who she said have worked incredibly hard over the last year.

“As a fifth generation farmer’s daughter representing a large rural constituency, I know how important it is that the voice of every rural community across the country is heard loud and clear in Westminster,” she said.

“I am grateful to Ed Davey for offering me this role, and really looking forward to getting started.

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“From my own south west constituency – Glastonbury and Somerton – to the farthest reaches of the Scottish Highlands, our rural areas represent the very best of Britain.

“It’s crucial this Government understands the unique challenges of rural life, and I am ready to stand up to protect our farmers, rural communities and natural landscapes.

“From farming, nature and food security to transport, housing, and digital connectivity, the challenges facing rural Britain are unique and urgent.

“I look forward to championing issues that matter to farmers and rural communities to build strong and thriving local economies, working with colleagues across Parliament to drive positive change, and holding the Government to account to ensure our countryside and the people who live and work there get the fair deal they deserve.”

Ms Dyke was first elected to parliament in 2023, as MP for Somerton & Frome, in a by-election prompted by the resignation of Conservative, David Warburton.

At last year’s general election, she was voted in to represent the new Glastonbury & Somerton constituency, with a majority of more than 6,600.