Labour appoints bisexual MP Cat Smith to equalities role
Bisexual Labour MP Cat Smith has been handed a role as shadow minister for equalities, after just four months in Parliament.
Labour’s new left-wing leader Jeremy Corbyn was formally elected to succeed Ed Miliband earlier this month, and has been appointing his new team following an exodus of senior shadow ministers, including Yvette Cooper, Chuka Umunna, Liz Kendall and Tristram Hunt.
Following the seismic change, it was confirmed that the Women and Equalities Brief – which covers legislation surrounding LGBT issues – would be handed to MP Kate Green.
However, as Mr Corbyn continues to make appointments to junior roles, he has appointed MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood, Cat Smith, to an equalities brief.
Ms Smith is already seen as a rising star in the party – but her appointment so soon comes as a surprise, given she was only elected to Parliament just four months ago.
She tweeted: “I’m very excited to be taking up a role as Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities for Labour – it’s a hugely important issue for all.”
Former Labour Party chair Baroness Hayter will also take up a role as the party’s Shadow Women and Equalities spokesperson in the Lords.
Kate Green added: “Thrilled to be joined on shadow equalities team by fabulous colleagues Cat Smith MP and Baroness Hayter. Looking forward to working together!”
The shadow equalities team was previously headed by Gloria de Piero, who has opted to remain on the Labour frontbench, but will take a new role as Shadow Minister for Young People and Voter Registration.
