Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd made the new shadow Secretary of State for Scotland

Tony Lloyd MP

Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd has been made the new shadow Secretary of State for Scotland by the Labour party.

Mr Lloyd will remain the shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in addition to this new role.

He replaces former shadow cabinet member, Lesley Laird, who lost her seat in Scotland in the election last week.

Mr Lloyd was appointed as the shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in March 2018, replacing Owen Smith.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/117431/tony-lloyd-appointed-shadow-northern-ireland-secretary

Mr Lloyd said: “In the light of the general election, and Labour’s disappointing results in Scotland, Jeremy Corbyn has asked me to temporarily take on the role of Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland in the period between now and the election of the new leader of the Labour Party in March.

“This is an important role. The North of England has massive contacts with Scotland, both economic and social, and through family ties.

“Come what may, our futures are closely interwoven, and Labour must be part of finding a way forward for the long term interest of the people of England and Wales, especially in towns like Rochdale, as well as Scotland and Northern Ireland.”