Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has appointed Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner as Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Women and Equalities in the Shadow Cabinet.

The appointment brings together the previously separate portfolios of Education with Women and Equalities into a new role which mirrors the current responsibilities of the Government’s Education Secretary Nikki Morgan.

It means that Angela will be able to more directly hold the Government to account for its policies in this area.

Angela said: “I am honoured to have been asked to serve my Party in this new role which means I will be directly up against Nikki Morgan at the despatch box.

“At this time of turmoil in British politics, it is more important than ever that Labour can be an effective opposition to the Tories, hold them to account and put forward a positive vision for the future. I relish that challenge.”