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Shadow cabinet resignations: who has gone and who is staying Shadow cabinet resignations: who has gone and who is staying
(35 minutes later)
Gone from shadow cabinetGone from shadow cabinet
Hilary BennThe shadow foreign secretary was sacked in a 1am phone call on Sunday after making clear that he had lost faith in Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership. The son of Corbyn’s former mentor, Tony Benn, his card had been marked as a potential threat by the leader’s office after intervening in last December’s parliamentary debate on whether to launch airstrikes against Syria. Hilary BennThe shadow foreign secretary was sacked in a 1am phone call on Sunday after making clear that he had lost faith in Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership. His card had been marked since he intervened in last December’s parliamentary debate on airstrikes in Syria.
Heidi AlexanderThe shadow health secretary gained fans within the party for mastering the health brief and holding Jeremy Hunt to account. As MP for Lewisham East, she backed Andy Burnham to be leader last year and emailed activists during the campaign to say that Corbyn’s election “would cause division within the party”. Heidi AlexanderThe shadow health secretary gained fans within the party for mastering the health brief and holding Jeremy Hunt to account. As MP for Lewisham East, she backed Andy Burnham to be leader last year and emailed activists during the campaign to say that Corbyn’s election “would cause division”.
Gloria De PieroThe MP for Ashfield and former GMTV presenter was a surprise member of Corbyn’s shadow cabinet given that she is a member of the Blairite pressure group Progress. The shadow minister for young people and voter registration is seen as a prized asset by the party because she is a working-class woman who cuts through to its traditional core voters in northern constituencies. Gloria De PieroThe MP for Ashfield and former GMTV presenter was a surprise member of Corbyn’s shadow cabinet given that she is a member of the Blairite pressure group Progress. The shadow minister for young people and voter registration is seen as a prized asset because she is a working-class woman who cuts through to traditional core voters.
Ian MurrayThe Scottish secretary was seen as impossible to sack because he is Labour’s only surviving MP following the 2015 rout of Scottish Labour by the SNP. Murray, 39, is a party moderate who has attempted to work with Corbyn. Colleagues say he has become increasingly vocal in shadow cabinet meetings about Corbyn’s alleged inability to lead a campaign. Ian MurrayThe Scottish secretary was seen as impossible to sack because he is Labour’s only surviving MP in Scotland. Murray, 39, is a party moderate who has attempted to work with Corbyn. Colleagues say he has become increasingly vocal about Corbyn’s alleged inability to lead a campaign.
Related: Tom Watson tells Corbyn he has lost his authority among Labour MPs
Lilian GreenwoodThe shadow secretary for transport took up the job in 2011 under Ed Miliband. Closely associated with Unison, the MP for Nottingham South is one of a group of union-backed frontbenchers who believe that Corbyn cannot carry on as leader.Lilian GreenwoodThe shadow secretary for transport took up the job in 2011 under Ed Miliband. Closely associated with Unison, the MP for Nottingham South is one of a group of union-backed frontbenchers who believe that Corbyn cannot carry on as leader.
Lucy PowellThe shadow education secretary ran Ed Miliband’s successful campaign to become Labour leader. The MP for Manchester Central is the daughter of a social worker and a headteacher, and was born and bred in Manchester. Powell disclosed in September that she had not spoken to Corbyn during her previous three years in parliament. She was one of a handful of party centrists who received promotions under his leadership last year. Lucy PowellThe shadow education secretary ran Ed Miliband’s campaign to become Labour leader. The MP for Manchester Central is the daughter of a social worker and a headteacher. Powell disclosed in September that she had not spoken to Corbyn during her previous three years in parliament. She was one of a handful of party centrists who received promotions under his leadership last year.
Kerry McCarthyThe shadow environment secretary was once seen as a Gordon Brown loyalist and supported Ed Balls against Ed Miliband in their leadership battle. The MP for Bristol East was said to be unhappy with Corbyn’s plans to scrap Trident and has expressed concerns about Corbyn’s lack of leadership to friends. Kerry McCarthyThe shadow environment secretary was once seen as a Gordon Brown loyalist. The MP for Bristol East was said to be unhappy with Corbyn’s plans to scrap Trident and has expressed concerns about Corbyn’s lack of leadership to friends.
Seema MalhotraThe shadow chief secretary to the Treasury had previously remained loyal to Corbyn despite being understood to have had some personal misgivings with his ability to lead and his economic policies. The MP for Feltham and Heston is a former adviser to Corbyn critics Liam Byrne and Ian Austin.Seema MalhotraThe shadow chief secretary to the Treasury had previously remained loyal to Corbyn despite being understood to have had some personal misgivings with his ability to lead and his economic policies. The MP for Feltham and Heston is a former adviser to Corbyn critics Liam Byrne and Ian Austin.
Vernon Coaker The shadow Northern Ireland secretary has struggled with serving in Corbyn’s team. The veteran MP for Gedling, who was a former policing minister and government whip, has told journalists that he felt obliged to join the shadow cabinet under Corbyn so that he could argue from the “centre” of the party. His appointment to the role went some way to allay suspicions from unionists that Corbyn and the shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, would only want to work closely with Sinn Féin. Vernon Coaker The shadow Northern Ireland secretary has struggled with serving in Corbyn’s team. The veteran MP for Gedling has told journalists that he felt obliged to join the shadow cabinet so that he could argue from the “centre” of the party.
Lord FalconerCharles Falconer, the shadow justice secretary and former close associate of Tony Blair, was an incongruous fit with Corbyn. In September, he upset Corbyn supporters by disagreeing with the Labour leader’s plan to strip the Bank of England of its independence, dismissed claims that the Iraq war was illegal and comments made by John McDonnell that the IRA should be honoured. In January, he publicly disagreed with the decision to sack the Europe minister, Pat McFadden. Lord FalconerCharles Falconer, the shadow justice secretary and former close associate of Tony Blair, was an incongruous fit with Corbyn. In September, he upset Corbyn supporters by disagreeing with the Labour leader’s plan to strip the Bank of England of its independence. In January, he publicly disagreed with the decision to sack the Europe minister, Pat McFadden.
Karl Turner The shadow attorney general was appointed to the role in January 2016. The MP for Kingston upon Hull East replaced John Prescott in the seat in 2010 and has rarely rebelled against party policy, according to the website Theyworkforyou.com. He is the second MP to resign from the position over Corbyn’s leadership within the space of six months. He stepped up to replace Catherine McKinnell, who quit the job in January complaining of Labour’s “increasingly negative path”. Karl Turner The shadow attorney general was appointed in January 2016. The MP for Kingston upon Hull East has rarely rebelled against party policy, according to the website Theyworkforyou.com. He had stepped up to replace Catherine McKinnell, who quit the job in January complaining of Labour’s “increasingly negative path”.
Chris BryantChris Bryant was never a key Corbyn ally, though that did not stop him standing up for his party leader in the House of Commons. He was shadow culture secretary and turned down the defence brief over what he called major policy differences, ending up with a demotion to shadow leader of the Commons.Chris BryantChris Bryant was never a key Corbyn ally, though that did not stop him standing up for his party leader in the House of Commons. He was shadow culture secretary and turned down the defence brief over what he called major policy differences, ending up with a demotion to shadow leader of the Commons.
Lisa Nandy Lisa NandyThe MP for Wigan since 2010 has resigned as shadow secretary of state for energy and climate change. She is seen as being on the left wing of the party, where Corbyn’s more natural allies are.
The MP for Wigan since 2010 has resigned as shadow secretary of state for energy and climate change. She is seen as being on the left wing of the party, where Corbyn’s more natural allies are. Owen SmithSmith has been MP for Pontypridd since 2010 and was formerly a BBC radio producer. He has resigned as shadow secretary of state for work and pensions and called – with Nandy – for Tom Watson to be caretaker leader.
Owen Smith Angela EagleThe MP for Wallasey is chair of Labour’s National Policy Forum, and has resigned as shadow business secretary and shadow first secretary of state. She was minister of state for pensions and ageing in the last Labour government.
Smith has been MP for Pontypridd since 2010 and was formerly a BB radio producer. He has resigned as shadow secretary of state for work and pensions and called - with Nandy - for Tom Watson to be caretaker leader. John HealeyThe former trade union and charity campaigner has been the MP for Wentworth and Dearne since 1997. He has resigned as shadow minister of state for housing and planning.
Angela Eagle Nia Griffith
The MP for Wallasey is chair of Labour’s National Policy Forum, and has resigned as shadow business secretary and shadow first secretary of state. She was minister of state for pensions and ageing in the last Labour government. The Welsh Labour politician has resigned as shadow Welsh secretary after serving in the role for nine months. Griffith has been MP for Llanelli since 2005. She was born in Dublin and her family is from south Wales. Before entering parliament she worked as a teacher.
John Healey Maria Eagle The MP for Garston and Halewood has resigned as shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport. In the last Labour government she was a minister of state for both the qualities office and the ministry of justice.
The former trade union and charity campaigner has been the MP for Wentworth and Dearne since 1997, has resigned as shadow minister of state for housing and planning. Kate Green
The MP for Stretford & Urmston has resigned as shadow minister for women and equalities.
Gone as junior shadow ministersGone as junior shadow ministers
FrontbenchersFrontbenchers
Staying as shadow cabinet membersStaying as shadow cabinet members
Andy Burnham The shadow home secretary has tweeted that he is not “going to take part in a coup”. Burnham, the MP for Leigh, ran for leader and lost out to Ed Miliband in 2010. In the last Labour government, he served as chief secretary to the Treasury, culture secretary and secretary of state for health. He hopes to be Greater Manchester’s first directly elected mayor in a vote next May. Andy Burnham The shadow home secretary has tweeted that he is not “going to take part in a coup”. Burnham, the MP for Leigh, ran for leader and lost out to Ed Miliband in 2010. He hopes to be Greater Manchester’s first directly elected mayor in a vote next May.
John McDonnellMcDonnell is seen as Corbyn’s primary ally, although the shadow chancellor was forced on Sunday morning to deny rumours that he was manoeuvring to replace his friend as leader. “I will never stand for leadership of the Labour party. If Jeremy has to stand for another leadership election, I will chair his campaign and I think the Labour party members will elect him again – but I think that’s unnecessary,” he said.John McDonnellMcDonnell is seen as Corbyn’s primary ally, although the shadow chancellor was forced on Sunday morning to deny rumours that he was manoeuvring to replace his friend as leader. “I will never stand for leadership of the Labour party. If Jeremy has to stand for another leadership election, I will chair his campaign and I think the Labour party members will elect him again – but I think that’s unnecessary,” he said.
Diane AbbottAbbott has been the Labour leader’s fiercest advocate since he was elected to the role. The shadow international development secretary did the rounds on Sunday morning’s television insisting that Corbyn would not stand down as leader and would win any leadership election that was called. She said that those opposing him had been planning a coup for months. Diane AbbottAbbott has been the Labour leader’s fiercest advocate. The now shadow health secretary did the rounds on Sunday morning’s television insisting that Corbyn would not stand down as leader and would win any leadership election that was called.
Jon TrickettThe shadow secretary of state for local government told the Guardian he was 100% behind Corbyn. “We need to get on with the business of offering an alternative vision of a Britain outside the EU to the one offered by [Michael] Gove and [Nigel] Farage, which is small-minded, inward looking and chauvinistic,” he said.Jon TrickettThe shadow secretary of state for local government told the Guardian he was 100% behind Corbyn. “We need to get on with the business of offering an alternative vision of a Britain outside the EU to the one offered by [Michael] Gove and [Nigel] Farage, which is small-minded, inward looking and chauvinistic,” he said.
Emily ThornberryThornberry, who represents the neighbouring constituency to Corbyn’s, replaced Maria Eagle as shadow defence secretary in January after disputes over the party’s policy on nuclear weapons. She told the BBC that she was surprised by the resignations and that only the shadow Scotland secretary, Ian Murray, who resigned on Sunday morning, spoke out against Corbyn at Friday’s shadow cabinet meeting. Emily ThornberryThornberry, who represents the neighbouring constituency to Corbyn’s, told the BBC that she was surprised by the resignations and that only the shadow Scotland secretary, Ian Murray, who resigned on Sunday morning, spoke out against Corbyn at Friday’s shadow cabinet meeting.
Lord Bassam of BrightonFormer leader of Brighton and Hove city council, Steve Bassam was made a life peer in 1997 and has been the chief whip in the House of Lords since May 2010. Bassam is refusing to back Corbyn as leader; he can’t resign from the shadow cabinet but is refusing to attend meetings until he leaves.Lord Bassam of BrightonFormer leader of Brighton and Hove city council, Steve Bassam was made a life peer in 1997 and has been the chief whip in the House of Lords since May 2010. Bassam is refusing to back Corbyn as leader; he can’t resign from the shadow cabinet but is refusing to attend meetings until he leaves.
Angela SmithThe Labour MP for Basildon from 1997 until 2010, Lady Smith served as a Cabinet Office minister in Gordon Brown’s government. She was made a life peeress in 2010 and became leader of the opposition in the House of Lords in May 2015, a position she kept when Corbyn won the party leadership. Smith is refusing to back Corbyn as leader; she can’t resign from the shadow cabinet but is refusing to attend meetings until he leaves. Angela SmithThe Labour MP for Basildon from 1997 until 2010, Lady Smith served as a Cabinet Office minister in Gordon Brown’s government. She was made a life peeress in 2010 and became leader of the opposition in the House of Lords in May 2015. Smith is refusing to back Corbyn as leader; she can’t resign from the shadow cabinet but is refusing to attend meetings until he leaves.
The new shadow cabinet appointmentsThe new shadow cabinet appointments
Shadow foreign secretary – Emily ThornberryThe MP for Islington South – her constituency border’s Corbyn’s – replaces Hilary Benn. She will be expected to scrutinise the process of detangling Britain from the EU and any new trade deals with the rest of the world. She resigned from the shadow cabinet during the 2014 Rochester byelection after tweeting a photograph of a council house draped in a flag of St George. Shadow foreign secretary – Emily ThornberryThornberry replaces Hilary Benn. She will be expected to scrutinise the process of detangling Britain from the EU and any new trade deals with the rest of the world. She resigned from the shadow cabinet during the 2014 Rochester byelection after tweeting a photograph of a council house draped in a flag of St George.
Shadow health secretary – Diane AbbottA close friend of Corbyn’s for 40 years and the first black woman elected to the House of Commons. The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington has been a health minister before, under Ed Miliband, and is seen as a good media performer. Her abrasive style has meant that she has quite a few opponents in the parliamentary party.Shadow health secretary – Diane AbbottA close friend of Corbyn’s for 40 years and the first black woman elected to the House of Commons. The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington has been a health minister before, under Ed Miliband, and is seen as a good media performer. Her abrasive style has meant that she has quite a few opponents in the parliamentary party.
Shadow education secretary – Pat GlassThe MP for North West Durham has a long-term interest in education – she was a government adviser of special needs education and was in parliament’s education select committee. Just a month ago, while campaigning to stay in the EU, she was forced to apologise after suffering her own “Gillian Duffy” moment – she called a member of the public “a horrible racist” mistakenly thinking that a microphone had been turned off.Shadow education secretary – Pat GlassThe MP for North West Durham has a long-term interest in education – she was a government adviser of special needs education and was in parliament’s education select committee. Just a month ago, while campaigning to stay in the EU, she was forced to apologise after suffering her own “Gillian Duffy” moment – she called a member of the public “a horrible racist” mistakenly thinking that a microphone had been turned off.
Shadow transport secretary – Andy McDonaldThe MP for Middlesbrough was elected in 2012 following the death of Sir Stuart Bell and has been the shadow rail minister under Corbyn since January. He nominated Andy Burnham to be leader and is respected by the Corbynistas for his campaign work.Shadow transport secretary – Andy McDonaldThe MP for Middlesbrough was elected in 2012 following the death of Sir Stuart Bell and has been the shadow rail minister under Corbyn since January. He nominated Andy Burnham to be leader and is respected by the Corbynistas for his campaign work.
Shadow defence secretary – Clive Lewis The newly elected MP for Norwich South has been at the centre of the Corbyn project. A former BBC reporter who served in Afghanistan, many were surprised when he was not given this brief during the last reshuffle. Seen as a future leadership contender if and when Corbyn steps down.Shadow defence secretary – Clive Lewis The newly elected MP for Norwich South has been at the centre of the Corbyn project. A former BBC reporter who served in Afghanistan, many were surprised when he was not given this brief during the last reshuffle. Seen as a future leadership contender if and when Corbyn steps down.
Shadow chief secretary to the Treasury – Rebecca Long-BaileyPart of the 2015 intake of Corbyn supporters, the MP for Salford and Eccles was selected for the seat following a bitter internal selection process. Trained as a solicitor, she has been backed by the union Unite.Shadow chief secretary to the Treasury – Rebecca Long-BaileyPart of the 2015 intake of Corbyn supporters, the MP for Salford and Eccles was selected for the seat following a bitter internal selection process. Trained as a solicitor, she has been backed by the union Unite.
Shadow international development secretary – Kate OsamorMP for Edmonton since May 2015. Previously a GP practice manager and trade union activist. She claimed the 2011 riots were the result of “justified” anger at racist policing and the police shooting of Mark Duggan as a “clear miscarriage of justice”.Shadow international development secretary – Kate OsamorMP for Edmonton since May 2015. Previously a GP practice manager and trade union activist. She claimed the 2011 riots were the result of “justified” anger at racist policing and the police shooting of Mark Duggan as a “clear miscarriage of justice”.
Shadow environment, food and rural affairs secretary – Rachel MaskellMP for York Central since May 2015. Formerly a care worker and physiotherapist as well as a trade union official. During the refugee crisis of September 2015, she called on the UK to open its doors to all refugees. A keen cyclist.Shadow environment, food and rural affairs secretary – Rachel MaskellMP for York Central since May 2015. Formerly a care worker and physiotherapist as well as a trade union official. During the refugee crisis of September 2015, she called on the UK to open its doors to all refugees. A keen cyclist.
Shadow voter engagement and youth affairs – Cat SmithMP for Lancaster and Fleetwood since 2015. Before entering parliament, she worked for Corbyn and as a policy officer for the British Association of Social Workers. She was one of the 36 Labour MPs to nominate Corbyn for leader and is often seen and heard in the media defending his leadership.Shadow voter engagement and youth affairs – Cat SmithMP for Lancaster and Fleetwood since 2015. Before entering parliament, she worked for Corbyn and as a policy officer for the British Association of Social Workers. She was one of the 36 Labour MPs to nominate Corbyn for leader and is often seen and heard in the media defending his leadership.
Shadow Northern Ireland secretary – Dave AndersonThe MP for Blaydon since 2005 is a former miner and care worker. He is also a former president of Unison and chairs the Labour friends of Iraq group.Shadow Northern Ireland secretary – Dave AndersonThe MP for Blaydon since 2005 is a former miner and care worker. He is also a former president of Unison and chairs the Labour friends of Iraq group.