Ben Rich appointed interim chief of staff for Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron

The Board of Deputies’ communications consultant is to leave his role to run the office of new Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron.

Ben Rich , a public relations specialist, worked with Mr Farron during the party’s leadership contest during the past three months.

He has now been appointed as interim chief of staff for the Westmorland and Lonsdale MP, who took over as leader last Thursday. It is understood Mr Rich will be in the role for three months.

The former Lib Dem deputy director of policy had been advising the Board on PR issues for more than two years. He has previously worked as an adviser to a number of Jewish organisations and charities.