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.

The Board’s former treasurer, Laurence Brass, was a major backer of Mr Farron’s campaign.

Following May’s general election, Mr Farron told the JC Israel’s actions during last summer’s Gaza conflict had been “disproportionate” .

He also said he regretted the unseating of anti-Israel Lib Dem David Ward at the election, describing him as a “good constituency MP”.

Eight Lib Dem MPs were elected in May, down from 57 in the previous Parliament. That result triggered the resignation of Nick Clegg as leader.

Mr Farron also said he intended to visit Israel and the West Bank for the first time later this year.