I have taken a post in Labour’s newly created front bench team to hold the Government to account on the negotiations for Britain’s departure from the European Union. I will be a Shadow Minister for Brexit in the team led by the new Shadow Secretary of State for Brexit, former Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Keir Starmer MP. 

Having just completed my annual community consultation, the Big Conversation, meeting more than 1,000 people in 40 events across the city, Brexit was one of the issues raised most often, with deep concerns about the risks to jobs, the NHS and our universities. I’m delighted to have this opportunity to challenge the Government every step of the way to ensure that we get the best possible deal for our city and our country. Last week’s Conservative Party Conference showed that, without any agreement among themselves, the Government is stumbling to disaster and it will be ordinary people who pay the price. I’m pleased to be part of a strong team that will hold them to account.