Watford councillor Rabi Martins began work this week as the new diversity advisor for the Liberal Democrat national executive.

Councillor Martins, who represents the town's central ward, is already the parliamentary spokesperson for Luton North and an executive member of the party's federal policy committee.

Chris Fox, the Liberal Democrats' chief executive, said: “I am delighted to announce that Rabi Martins will be joining me as a personal adviser for equality and diversity issues.

“He has been a key member of the party for many years and has served well on various boards including the federal executive and the ethnic minority Liberal Democrats.

“Rabi will play a key part in continuing to strengthen the party’s diversity and equalities strategy and making sure that the party is representative of the country it serves.

“I have known Rabi for many years and respect his achievements. I welcome the positive and effective contribution Rabi has made and will continue to make to our party.”

Councillor Martins said: “I am delighted to be asked to work with Chris to support the party’s agenda on diversity in general and address the issue of representation of ethnic minorities in particular.

“Nick Clegg and the party have taken significant steps towards making the Liberal Democrats the party of equality and fairness, but they recognise that there is much more to be done.

“I feel honoured to be asked to contribute to this agenda.”