Tony Lloyd MP steps down as shadow Secretary for Northern Ireland to focus on Covid-19 recovery
Date published: 28 April 2020
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.
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.
Do you have a story for us?
Let us know by emailing news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
All contact will be treated in confidence.
Most Viewed News Stories
- 1Bonfires and fireworks displays in Rochdale borough next month
- 2Police officer arrested after Rochdale car crash leaves man fighting for life
- 3TV presenter joins Rochdale charity to mark 40 years of tackling homelessness
- 4New housing scheme launched to support Rochdale's rough sleepers
- 5New Starbucks drive-thru coming to Rochdale
To contact the Rochdale Online news desk, email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk or visit our news submission page.
To get the latest news on your desktop or mobile, follow Rochdale Online on Twitter and Facebook.