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Labour reshuffle: full shadow cabinet list announced – live updates Labour reshuffle: full shadow cabinet list announced – live updates
(35 minutes later)
7.31pm BST
19:31
A little reaction to the new appointments:
A boost for all the guitar bands out there! Music fan Tom Watson gets shadow culture brief https://t.co/Gw7asaMk4y
@jreynoldsMP @JonAshworth thanks Jonny!
So. What happened to the olive branch ?
Updated
at 7.33pm BST
7.01pm BST
19:01
And, following the letter from the chair of the parliamentary Labour party John Cryer:
Corbyn spokesperson saying shadow cabinet elections talks will go on with new chief whip.
6.48pm BST6.48pm BST
18:4818:48
Some details and background on those shadow cabinet moves from my colleague Anushka Asthana:Some details and background on those shadow cabinet moves from my colleague Anushka Asthana:
I'm told @JonAshworth was told it was shadow health secretary & that was only offer. If he didn't take it he'd lose his NEC position anyway.I'm told @JonAshworth was told it was shadow health secretary & that was only offer. If he didn't take it he'd lose his NEC position anyway.
NEW: shadow cabinet: Tom Watson as shadow culture, Teresa Pearce, shadow communities, John Healey at housing, Barbara Keeley mental healthNEW: shadow cabinet: Tom Watson as shadow culture, Teresa Pearce, shadow communities, John Healey at housing, Barbara Keeley mental health
And Ashworth is off NEC, replaced by Kate OsamorAnd Ashworth is off NEC, replaced by Kate Osamor
6.35pm BST6.35pm BST
18:3518:35
Also just released, an accompanying statement from Jeremy Corbyn:Also just released, an accompanying statement from Jeremy Corbyn:
Following my re-election as Leader of the Labour party, I have made a number of new appointments to Labour’s shadow cabinet. For the first time, two of the three ‘great offices of state’ are shadowed by women. Once again, the shadow cabinet has a majority of women, and has more black and minority ethnic appointees than any shadow cabinet or cabinet ever.Following my re-election as Leader of the Labour party, I have made a number of new appointments to Labour’s shadow cabinet. For the first time, two of the three ‘great offices of state’ are shadowed by women. Once again, the shadow cabinet has a majority of women, and has more black and minority ethnic appointees than any shadow cabinet or cabinet ever.
I have acted to bring together a strong and diverse opposition leadership team. Our aim is to deliver what millions of people are demanding: a Labour party focussed on holding this divisive government to account and winning the next general election.I have acted to bring together a strong and diverse opposition leadership team. Our aim is to deliver what millions of people are demanding: a Labour party focussed on holding this divisive government to account and winning the next general election.
And one from Tom Watson:And one from Tom Watson:
I’m looking forward to working with Jeremy to develop Labour’s policy on introducing the arts pupil premium to every child of primary school age.I’m looking forward to working with Jeremy to develop Labour’s policy on introducing the arts pupil premium to every child of primary school age.
There should be no class ceiling placed on anyone who wants to contribute to or enjoy our artistic, musical and sporting heritage. I also want our globally successful games industry to be given the recognition it deserves.There should be no class ceiling placed on anyone who wants to contribute to or enjoy our artistic, musical and sporting heritage. I also want our globally successful games industry to be given the recognition it deserves.
6.32pm BST6.32pm BST
18:3218:32
Full shadow cabinet list revealedFull shadow cabinet list revealed
Labour has just released its full shadow cabinet list, confirming Tom Watson’s move to shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport.Labour has just released its full shadow cabinet list, confirming Tom Watson’s move to shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport.
Shadow cabinet:Shadow cabinet:
Leader of the opposition – Jeremy CorbynLeader of the opposition – Jeremy Corbyn
Shadow foreign secretary – Emily ThornberryShadow foreign secretary – Emily Thornberry
Shadow chancellor – John McDonnellShadow chancellor – John McDonnell
Shadow chief secretary to the Treasury – Rebecca Long-BaileyShadow chief secretary to the Treasury – Rebecca Long-Bailey
Shadow Brexit secretary – Keir StarmerShadow Brexit secretary – Keir Starmer
Shadow home secretary – Diane AbbottShadow home secretary – Diane Abbott
Shadow business secretary – Clive LewisShadow business secretary – Clive Lewis
Shadow education secretary – Angela RaynerShadow education secretary – Angela Rayner
Shadow secretary of state for international trade – Barry GardinerShadow secretary of state for international trade – Barry Gardiner
Shadow defence secretary – Nia GriffithShadow defence secretary – Nia Griffith
Shadow lord president of the council and national elections and campaigns co-ordinator – Jon TrickettShadow lord president of the council and national elections and campaigns co-ordinator – Jon Trickett
Shadow work and pensions secretary – Debbie AbrahamsShadow work and pensions secretary – Debbie Abrahams
Shadow health secretary – Jonathan AshworthShadow health secretary – Jonathan Ashworth
Shadow international development secretary – Kate OsamorShadow international development secretary – Kate Osamor
Shadow transport secretary – Andy McDonaldShadow transport secretary – Andy McDonald
Shadow communities and local government secretary – Teresa Pearce (standing in for Grahame Morris, who is on leave)Shadow communities and local government secretary – Teresa Pearce (standing in for Grahame Morris, who is on leave)
Shadow justice secretary – Richard BurgonShadow justice secretary – Richard Burgon
Shadow attorney general – Shami ChakrabartiShadow attorney general – Shami Chakrabarti
Shadow culture, media and sport secretary – Tom WatsonShadow culture, media and sport secretary – Tom Watson
Shadow environment, good and rural affairs secretary – Rachael MaskellShadow environment, good and rural affairs secretary – Rachael Maskell
Shadow Scotland and Northern Ireland secretary – Dave AndersonShadow Scotland and Northern Ireland secretary – Dave Anderson
Shadow Wales secretary – Jo StevensShadow Wales secretary – Jo Stevens
Shadow housing secretary – John HealeyShadow housing secretary – John Healey
Shadow women and equalities minister – Sarah ChampionShadow women and equalities minister – Sarah Champion
Shadow minister for diverse communities – Dawn ButlerShadow minister for diverse communities – Dawn Butler
Shadow minister for voter engagement and youth affairs – Cat SmithShadow minister for voter engagement and youth affairs – Cat Smith
Shadow cabinet office minister – Ian LaveryShadow cabinet office minister – Ian Lavery
Shadow minister for mental health and social care – Barbara KeeleyShadow minister for mental health and social care – Barbara Keeley
Shadow minister without portfolio – Andrew GwynneShadow minister without portfolio – Andrew Gwynne
Shadow leader of the House – Valerie VazShadow leader of the House – Valerie Vaz
Labour’s Front Bench NEC members:Labour’s Front Bench NEC members:
Leader of the Labour party – Jeremy CorbynLeader of the Labour party – Jeremy Corbyn
Deputy leader of the Labour party – Tom WatsonDeputy leader of the Labour party – Tom Watson
Shadow cabinet – Rebecca Long-Bailey, Jon Trickett, Kate Osamor.Shadow cabinet – Rebecca Long-Bailey, Jon Trickett, Kate Osamor.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.59pm BSTat 6.59pm BST
6.22pm BST6.22pm BST
18:2218:22
Anushka AsthanaAnushka Asthana
This is a punchy email to MPs from John Cryer, the parliamentary Labour party (PLP) chair, who had entered negotiations with Rosie Winterton, the now sacked chief whip, over proposals for shadow cabinet elections that Tom Watson had argued would allow MPs to come back with “dignity”.This is a punchy email to MPs from John Cryer, the parliamentary Labour party (PLP) chair, who had entered negotiations with Rosie Winterton, the now sacked chief whip, over proposals for shadow cabinet elections that Tom Watson had argued would allow MPs to come back with “dignity”.
Cryer is clear that there was no pressure to have a majority of positions elected, but is clearly angry about the outcome of talks, which he says have now fallen apart.Cryer is clear that there was no pressure to have a majority of positions elected, but is clearly angry about the outcome of talks, which he says have now fallen apart.
Here’s the full text of the letter:Here’s the full text of the letter:
Dear Colleague,Dear Colleague,
As you will be very much aware, at the beginning of September, the PLP voted overwhelmingly for the return of elections to the shadow cabinet.As you will be very much aware, at the beginning of September, the PLP voted overwhelmingly for the return of elections to the shadow cabinet.
This has never implied that the entire shadow cabinet should be elected; neither the PLP or the parliamentary committee were prescriptive in that regard.This has never implied that the entire shadow cabinet should be elected; neither the PLP or the parliamentary committee were prescriptive in that regard.
This led to negotiations involving myself and the then chief whip, Rosie Winterton, and people from the leadership team.This led to negotiations involving myself and the then chief whip, Rosie Winterton, and people from the leadership team.
As far as Rosie and I were concerned, the talks were held in good faith with the aim of striking an agreement which would allow some places to be filled through elections, while the leader would retain the right to appoint others.As far as Rosie and I were concerned, the talks were held in good faith with the aim of striking an agreement which would allow some places to be filled through elections, while the leader would retain the right to appoint others.
We held a number of meetings, most recently during Labour conference, and were genuinely hopeful that we could get to an agreement which would have the chance of drawing the PLP together so that we could go forward in a more unified manner than has hitherto been the case. Rosie and I were keen to continue these negotiations this week and tried to arrange meetings with the leader’s office to come to an agreement as soon as possible.We held a number of meetings, most recently during Labour conference, and were genuinely hopeful that we could get to an agreement which would have the chance of drawing the PLP together so that we could go forward in a more unified manner than has hitherto been the case. Rosie and I were keen to continue these negotiations this week and tried to arrange meetings with the leader’s office to come to an agreement as soon as possible.
However, it became clear on Wednesday that a reshuffle was underway, which had not been discussed or mentioned.However, it became clear on Wednesday that a reshuffle was underway, which had not been discussed or mentioned.
It now seems to me that the party’s leadership did not engage in the talks in any constructive way.It now seems to me that the party’s leadership did not engage in the talks in any constructive way.
Obviously, I deeply regret this turn of events. As ever, if colleagues wish to raise any issues with me feel free to get in touch.Obviously, I deeply regret this turn of events. As ever, if colleagues wish to raise any issues with me feel free to get in touch.
Best wishes,Best wishes,
John CryerJohn Cryer
Chair of the PLPChair of the PLP
5.19pm BST5.19pm BST
17:1917:19
Anushka AsthanaAnushka Asthana
Strong rumour that Tom Watson could become shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport.Strong rumour that Tom Watson could become shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport.
4.56pm BST4.56pm BST
16:5616:56
New shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth tweets:New shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth tweets:
The NHS was and still is Labour's greatest achievement. On the brink of crisis under the Tories & going backwards. We'll be campaigning hardThe NHS was and still is Labour's greatest achievement. On the brink of crisis under the Tories & going backwards. We'll be campaigning hard
4.49pm BST4.49pm BST
16:4916:49
Political editor Anushka Asthana tweets:Political editor Anushka Asthana tweets:
One MP tipped to join shadow cabinet says "moderate" Mps can learn from Corbyn in enthusing base but feels this reshuffle not reaching outOne MP tipped to join shadow cabinet says "moderate" Mps can learn from Corbyn in enthusing base but feels this reshuffle not reaching out
4.39pm BST4.39pm BST
16:3916:39
With John McDonnell expected to remain shadow chancellor and Emily Thornberry likely to retain the foreign affairs brief, the three most senior positions in the body are all held by staunch-Corbyn supporters - and London MPs. The reshuffle saw little-known MPs moved around, including a promotion for Jo Stevens who was handed shadow Welsh secretary and Nia Griffith moved to the shadow defence brief, while Dawn Butler and Jonathan Reynolds were offered ministerial positions.With John McDonnell expected to remain shadow chancellor and Emily Thornberry likely to retain the foreign affairs brief, the three most senior positions in the body are all held by staunch-Corbyn supporters - and London MPs. The reshuffle saw little-known MPs moved around, including a promotion for Jo Stevens who was handed shadow Welsh secretary and Nia Griffith moved to the shadow defence brief, while Dawn Butler and Jonathan Reynolds were offered ministerial positions.
Ms Butler, shadow minister for diverse communities, denied that Mr Corbyn had failed to appoint the party’s more experienced MPs to top jobs because they had opposed him in the leadership election: “They might be obscure but they are competent,” she said of the new team.Ms Butler, shadow minister for diverse communities, denied that Mr Corbyn had failed to appoint the party’s more experienced MPs to top jobs because they had opposed him in the leadership election: “They might be obscure but they are competent,” she said of the new team.
Stevens also defended Corbyn’s appointments, insisting he had reached out to political opponents. “I didn’t support Jeremy in the leadership election, neither did Keir Starmer, neither did Nia Griffith and I don’t think Sarah Champion did either,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.Stevens also defended Corbyn’s appointments, insisting he had reached out to political opponents. “I didn’t support Jeremy in the leadership election, neither did Keir Starmer, neither did Nia Griffith and I don’t think Sarah Champion did either,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“I was one of the senior people in Owen Smith’s leadership campaign, and he’s [Corbyn] offered me a post on the shadow cabinet. Good leadership is about listening, influencing, persuading and an element of compromise.”“I was one of the senior people in Owen Smith’s leadership campaign, and he’s [Corbyn] offered me a post on the shadow cabinet. Good leadership is about listening, influencing, persuading and an element of compromise.”
4.22pm BST4.22pm BST
16:2216:22
Further to the hints given by Tony Blair about a possible return to frontline politics, one source familiar with the former prime minister’s plans said: “He is quite keen to try and organise some sort of institute - more than a thinktank but less than a political party - which would provide a platform for people with experience of government and business to to formulate policy and look at big solutions to big policy.”Further to the hints given by Tony Blair about a possible return to frontline politics, one source familiar with the former prime minister’s plans said: “He is quite keen to try and organise some sort of institute - more than a thinktank but less than a political party - which would provide a platform for people with experience of government and business to to formulate policy and look at big solutions to big policy.”
Many senior Labour backbenchers at the party’s recent conference in Liverpoool talked about the need to develop policies that could be adopted by a more centrist future leader.Many senior Labour backbenchers at the party’s recent conference in Liverpoool talked about the need to develop policies that could be adopted by a more centrist future leader.
Blair is said to have been disappointed by the lack of radical thinking by rebel Labour MPs - and the failure of leadership challenger Owen Smith to take on Jeremy Corbyn’s philosophy. He wants to try to chart a path between “the ‘Ukipisation’ of the Conservatives and the ‘militantisation’ of Labour”, the source said.Blair is said to have been disappointed by the lack of radical thinking by rebel Labour MPs - and the failure of leadership challenger Owen Smith to take on Jeremy Corbyn’s philosophy. He wants to try to chart a path between “the ‘Ukipisation’ of the Conservatives and the ‘militantisation’ of Labour”, the source said.
3.52pm BST3.52pm BST
15:5215:52
Anushka AsthanaAnushka Asthana
Jeremy Corbyn has promoted Jonathan Ashworth to become his shadow health secretary but would like the Labour MP give up his place on the party’s national executive committee in return, the Guardian understands.Jeremy Corbyn has promoted Jonathan Ashworth to become his shadow health secretary but would like the Labour MP give up his place on the party’s national executive committee in return, the Guardian understands.
The Leicester politician, who is widely seen as an effective opponent to the Conservatives, will take on the health secretary Jeremy Hunt amid the long-running battle between his department and junior doctors over a new contract.The Leicester politician, who is widely seen as an effective opponent to the Conservatives, will take on the health secretary Jeremy Hunt amid the long-running battle between his department and junior doctors over a new contract.
The health position was vacated after Corbyn moved Diane Abbott into the shadow home secretary role and sacked his chief whip, Rosie Winterton, in a post-conference reshuffle that some MPs have described as vengeful.The health position was vacated after Corbyn moved Diane Abbott into the shadow home secretary role and sacked his chief whip, Rosie Winterton, in a post-conference reshuffle that some MPs have described as vengeful.
Maintaining Emily Thornberry as shadow foreign secretary, Corbyn said: “These appointments mean, for the first time ever, two out of the three traditional ‘great offices of state’ will be shadowed by women.”Maintaining Emily Thornberry as shadow foreign secretary, Corbyn said: “These appointments mean, for the first time ever, two out of the three traditional ‘great offices of state’ will be shadowed by women.”
Ashworth has remained loyal in public media appearances but is not seen as a supporter of the leadership team, which is why Corbyn would like him to quit the finely balanced NEC. The makeup of Labour’s controlling committee is seen as key, as it controls any changes that could affect how the party is made up.Ashworth has remained loyal in public media appearances but is not seen as a supporter of the leadership team, which is why Corbyn would like him to quit the finely balanced NEC. The makeup of Labour’s controlling committee is seen as key, as it controls any changes that could affect how the party is made up.
3.49pm BST3.49pm BST
15:4915:49
Ashworth takes shadow healthAshworth takes shadow health
Jon Ashworth, the shadow cabinet office minister, has been appointed the new shadow health secretary, Labour sources said.Jon Ashworth, the shadow cabinet office minister, has been appointed the new shadow health secretary, Labour sources said.
3.16pm BST3.16pm BST
15:1615:16
Time for me to bow out now, politics lovers. Further reshuffle news and politics developments will follow on the liveblog.Time for me to bow out now, politics lovers. Further reshuffle news and politics developments will follow on the liveblog.
Remember, be nice to each other out there this weekend. As Mike Hookem might say: “No face-slapping, no digs, nothing.”Remember, be nice to each other out there this weekend. As Mike Hookem might say: “No face-slapping, no digs, nothing.”
3.12pm BST3.12pm BST
15:1215:12
The home secretary’s new stance on immigration has been sharply criticised by her own brother, who accused the government of “denigrating foreigners”.The home secretary’s new stance on immigration has been sharply criticised by her own brother, who accused the government of “denigrating foreigners”.
Financial PR guru Roland Rudd said the public do not want an “intolerant Britain”, after Amber Rudd set out tough immigration proposals designed to bring down numbers in the wake of the Brexit vote.Financial PR guru Roland Rudd said the public do not want an “intolerant Britain”, after Amber Rudd set out tough immigration proposals designed to bring down numbers in the wake of the Brexit vote.
They include plans to force UK businesses to publish the number of foreign workers they employ - a move that drew widespread criticism.They include plans to force UK businesses to publish the number of foreign workers they employ - a move that drew widespread criticism.
In a key speech delivered at the Tory Party conference this week, Ms Rudd said businesses and universities could face new restrictions on recruiting overseas workers and students.In a key speech delivered at the Tory Party conference this week, Ms Rudd said businesses and universities could face new restrictions on recruiting overseas workers and students.
Speaking about the new approach to immigration, Mr Rudd told BBC Radio 4:Speaking about the new approach to immigration, Mr Rudd told BBC Radio 4:
I do not think people voted for an intolerant, closed Britain. I think denigrating foreigners is wrong, treating eastern Europeans as second-class citizens is shameful, and hate crime is appalling, and I hope it’s time that good people everywhere actually are counted and speak out.I do not think people voted for an intolerant, closed Britain. I think denigrating foreigners is wrong, treating eastern Europeans as second-class citizens is shameful, and hate crime is appalling, and I hope it’s time that good people everywhere actually are counted and speak out.
Mending free movement of people doesn’t mean you end it and I think the language you use towards people who are different is incredibly important. We don’t want a society where we just only talk about what’s right for British workers as if people who’ve come from Europe who now live and work here are not part of society - they are. We need a big, bold move from this Government to immediately say now that every European that lives and works here can stay and live and work here.”Mending free movement of people doesn’t mean you end it and I think the language you use towards people who are different is incredibly important. We don’t want a society where we just only talk about what’s right for British workers as if people who’ve come from Europe who now live and work here are not part of society - they are. We need a big, bold move from this Government to immediately say now that every European that lives and works here can stay and live and work here.”
Rudd, who founded the Finsbury financial PR firm, added: “I think my sister is an amazingly talented wonderful woman, but we don’t have to share the same view on everything all the time. I don’t understand this attack on enterprise, on globalisation, in the way that we’ve heard it this week. I think we have to remember what’s best about Britain is its openness, its tolerance.”Rudd, who founded the Finsbury financial PR firm, added: “I think my sister is an amazingly talented wonderful woman, but we don’t have to share the same view on everything all the time. I don’t understand this attack on enterprise, on globalisation, in the way that we’ve heard it this week. I think we have to remember what’s best about Britain is its openness, its tolerance.”
2.47pm BST2.47pm BST
14:4714:47
Update from Anushka:Update from Anushka:
In fact, I'm now sure that Jonathan Ashworth is to be shadow health secretary. No conclusion yet on NEC position but looks likely it'll go.In fact, I'm now sure that Jonathan Ashworth is to be shadow health secretary. No conclusion yet on NEC position but looks likely it'll go.
This most recent tweet from Jonathan Ashworth looks to confirm the move:This most recent tweet from Jonathan Ashworth looks to confirm the move:
The NHS was and still is Labour's greatest achievement. On the brink of crisis under the Tories & going backwards. We'll be campaigning hardThe NHS was and still is Labour's greatest achievement. On the brink of crisis under the Tories & going backwards. We'll be campaigning hard