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Thangam Debbonaire announced as shadow housing secretary in cabinet overhaul

Thangam Debbonaire has been appointed as the new shadow housing secretary, replacing John Healey, who has been in the role since 2016.

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Thangam Debbonaire has been appointed as the new shadow housing secretary
Thangam Debbonaire has been appointed as the new shadow housing secretary
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Thangam Debbonaire announced as shadow housing secretary in cabinet overhaul #ukhousing

.@JohnHealey_MP appointed defence secretary replace by @ThangamMP #ukhousing

Ms Debbonaire’s appointment comes amid a major overhaul of the shadow cabinet by new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, with John Healey moved to become shadow defence secretary.

Ms Debbonaire, who has been MP for Bristol West since 2015, takes on the role after briefly serving under Sir Keir as shadow minister for exiting the European Union, a post she was appointed to in January 2020.

The 53-year-old previously held the role of arts and culture minister from January 2016 to June the same year before resigning from the post. She then became a whip in October 2016 and remained in this role before becoming shadow Brexit minister.


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She said that she was pleased with her appointment and that it was a “huge honour”.

She replaces Mr Healey, who has held a number of housing-related roles both in government and in opposition. He started as minister of state for housing and planning at what was then the Department for Communities and Local Government from June 2009 to May 2010.

After a serving as shadow health secretary between October 2010 and October 2011, he became shadow minister of state for housing in 2015, and remained in this post until he was promoted to shadow housing secretary in October 2016.

Mr Healey will now replace Nia Griffith as shadow defence secretary.

He said on Twitter: “Proud to be appointed by Keir Starmer to be Labour’s shadow defence secretary. Our world-class armed forces keep us safe and are doing a vital job helping the country through the coronavirus pandemic.”

Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North, secured the role of shadow secretary for communities and local government.

Mr Reed, who was leader of Lambeth Council for six years, said he was honoured to be appointed to the role at a time when local authorities are working so hard to get through the COVID-19 crisis.

Mr Reed tweeted: “Honoured to be appointed shadow local gov secretary at a time when councillors and council workers are responding so heroically to coronavirus – our councils are the best of Labour, so proud to work with you all again.”

Sir Keir said his new cabinet “showcases the breadth, depth and talents of our party”.

He added: “We will be relentlessly focused on acting in the national interest to respond to coronavirus and on rebuilding Labour so that it can win the next election.”

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