Previous shadow economic secretary Jonathan Reynolds has been named shadow secretary for work and pensions by new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Mr Reynolds took to twitter yesterday (April 7) to make the announcement and said he was “incredibly proud and humbled” to be given the position.
He succeeds Margaret Greenwood who held the position for two years.
When talking about his new role, Mr Reynolds said he understood just how “big a brief this is to both individuals and the UK economy”.
He also pointed out that the UK needs “serious long-term thinking” when it comes to pensions, something which he has touched upon in previous roles.
When speaking about the ongoing coronavirus crisis, he said: “This crisis has brutally confirmed that our existing welfare state is not fit for purpose.
“Too often it leaves people without support and fails to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Mr Reynolds takes on the position following his stint as shadow economic secretary, a role which he held for three and a half years.
Prior to this he was shadow transport minister, shadow energy minister and opposition assistant whip.
Mr Reynolds has been MP for Stalybridge and Hyde since 2010.
amy.austin@ft.com
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