Liddell set for Australia job

FORMER Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell has been lined up as the next British High Commissioner to Australia, the Government announced today.

If Labour is returned to power at the next General Election, the Airdrie and Shotts MP will succeed Sir Alastair Goodlad.

In a statement, Prime Minister Tony Blair said Ms Liddell would make "an outstanding High Commissioner to Australia".

Ms Liddell left the Government last June when the job of Scottish Secretary was given to Alistair Darling.