As Jeremy Corbyn announces what he calls a “unifying” new shadow cabinet, critics draw focus on the fact that most senior roles on the shadow cabinet front bench are all taken by men. But half of the total posts went to women, including shadow defence, education, business and health.
Angela Eagle is the new shadow business secretary, shadow first secretary of state standing in for Mr Corbyn at PMQs when needed and Maria Eagle (sister) is now shadow defence secretary. Mr Corbyn described his new line-up as; “a strong combination of change and continuity – emphasising that “we have delivered a unifying, dynamic, inclusive new shadow cabinet which for the first time ever has a majority of women.”
Appointments include; Lisa Nandy will be shadow energy secretary; Lucy Powell, previously Ed Miliband's general election co-ordinator, will be shadow education secretary; Rosie Winterton to continue as chief and Ian Murray, who will continue as shadow Scottish secretary; Lewisham MP Heidi Alexander takes the reins from Andy Burnham as shadow health secretary; Lord Falconer, will continue as shadow justice secretary; Seema Malhotra is shadow chief secretary to the Treasury; Diane Abbott is made shadow international development secretary; Shadow Northern Ireland secretary is Vernon Coaker.
