Tony Lloyd MP steps down as shadow Secretary for Northern Ireland to focus on Covid-19 recovery

Tony Lloyd MP

Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd has stepped back from Labour's frontbench to focus on his recovery from coronavirus.

Mr Lloyd was recently released from intensive care after being hospitalised with Covid-19 in early April.

The local MP made the decision to step down from the shadow cabinet following a discussion with Labour leader Keir Starmer.

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 Starmer said: “I want to thank Tony for his service during his time in the shadow cabinet and on the frontbench.

“The whole of the Labour party wishes him and his family the very best as he continues with his recovery."

Interim shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Louise Haigh will take up the role on a permanent basis.

In December 2019 under previous Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Lloyd was made the shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, before Mr Starmer replaced him with Ian Murray earlier this month.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/131986/rochdale-mp-tony-lloyd-made-the-new-shadow-secretary-of-state-for-scotland