Corbyn defends 'inclusive' shadow cabinet team

Updated

Labour's new leader Jeremy Corbyn has insisted he has created a "unifying" and "inclusive" shadow cabinet after putting the finishing touches to his top team.

Mr Corbyn, who had faced criticism for failing to promote women to any of the senior portfolios, said that the majority of posts in his shadow cabinet had been been filled by females.

The latest appointments include Maria Eagle taking on the shadow defence brief, which had been turned down by Chris Bryant because of major policy disagreements with Mr Corbyn.

Luciana Berger will fill a new shadow cabinet-level role with responsibility for mental health, Mr Corbyn announced.

Mr Corbyn said: "We have delivered a unifying, dynamic, inclusive new shadow cabinet which for the first time ever has a majority of women.

"I am delighted that we have established a shadow cabinet position for mental health which is a matter I have long been interested in.

"Angela Eagle's appointment as the shadow first secretary of state means she will deputise for me when David Cameron is not available for Prime Minister's Questions.

"The shadow cabinet is a strong combination of change and continuity that will now come together to hold this Government to account, starting today with this pernicious Trade Union Bill."

Jeremy Corbyn's Shadow Cabinet Appointments in 60 Seconds
Jeremy Corbyn's Shadow Cabinet Appointments in 60 Seconds

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