David Cameron said that the Conservatives now have the "best economic team for these difficult times" after Ken Clarke was appointed Shadow Business Secretary.

Commenting on the new addition to the Shadow Cabinet, David said:

"Eleven years ago it was Ken Clarke who handed over a strong economy, with sound public finances, falling debt and solid growth to Gordon Brown. Gordon Brown has squandered that legacy."

Ken said he was "delighted" to join the Shadow Cabinet, but warned that Britain was facing "the gravest economic crisis I have known in my lifetime" as a result of Labour's Debt Crisis.

"Only a change in Government will restore the confidence that is vital for economic recovery. It really matters that the Conservative Party wins the next election. It matters for our economy; it matters for our society. It is going to be a historically important election, and I don't want to sit on the sidelines - I want to be out on the pitch fighting for the change Britain needs."

David stressed that Ken joining the Shadow Cabinet means the Conservatives have an economic team that combines "fresh thinking with experience, hope and change with stability and common sense":

"I'm sure that we now have the team to bring the change that Britain so badly needs."