Jeremy Corbyn appoints Labour MP Sarah Champion to shadow equalities role
Jeremy Corbyn has brought back a dedicated Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, handing the role to MP Sarah Champion as part of an ongoing reshuffle.
Jeremy Corbyn is appointing his shadow cabinet tonight, following his successful re-election as party leader.
The leader had axed the dedicated cabinet role of Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities earlier this year, when shadow minister Kate Green joined a wave of resignations from his top team.
Struggling to fill the posts, in July he handed responsibility for equalities and LGBT issues to shadow education secretary Angela Rayner.
In a U-turn on the decision today, he restored the brief as he reshuffles his team.
Mr Corbyn appointed MP for Rotherham Sarah Champion to the role.
He said: “I welcome Sarah Champion MP to her new role as Shadow Women & Equalities Minister. A staunch campaigner who will now join our Shadow Cabinet.”
Ms Champion is a moderate within the party, and until June served as Shadow Minister for Preventing Abuse. She supported Corbyn’s rival Owen Smith in the leadership election.
She tweeted: “Delighted to be new Shadow Minister for women & equalities. Women worst hit by Tory austerity, equality at all time low. This must change!”
Elsewhere in the reshuffle, key Corbyn ally Diane Abbott has been promoted to Shadow Home Secretary. Ms Abbott is a strong LGBT ally and frequent PinkNews columnist.
In a move that may prove divisive, civil liberties champion Baroness Shami Chakrabarti has been appointed as Shadow Attorney General.
Chakrabarti presided over a controversial review of anti-Semitism within the party earlier this year, shortly before being ennobled by Mr Corbyn.
