Tony Lloyd appointed Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary

Tony Lloyd MP

Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd has been appointed Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary with immediate effect.

Mr Lloyd takes over from Owen Smith who was asked to stand down.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "Tony is a highly experienced former Government minister who is committed to ensuring that peace in Northern Ireland is maintained and helping to steer the devolution deal back on track."

Speaking to Rochdale Online soon after his appointment, Mr Lloyd said: "It's come as a surprise. 

"It will be a great challenge because we know Northern Ireland matters enormously. There has been issues with the border between the north and the Republic of Ireland. 

"For me it will be a challenge but a real pleasure to work in something so clearly in the national interest of ours.

"Northern Ireland is its own unique situation. It has not been long since the Good Friday agreement and other arrangements have brought peace between our two islands. 

"We are very close to Northern Ireland here in the north west of England and, post Brexit, it is going to be really important for the economy of Northern Ireland, the north west and the Republic to work together well. Economic interest and our own interests in jobs in the north west depend on trade with parts of Ireland. 

"I'm very much looking forward it."