Town's Labour ladies are rising to the top

MP Debbie Abrahams

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OLDHAM MPs Debbie Abrahams and Angela Rayner have been appointed to Jeremy Corbyn's Shadow Cabinet after the Labour leader suffered a mass walkout.

Mr Corbyn has faced calls to resign after more than 20 members of his Shadow Cabinet and a similar number of junior ministers walked out, questioning his performance during the EU referendum and ability to lead the party.

The walkouts have meant a Shadow Cabinet re-shuffle which has paved the way for Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Mrs Abrahams and Ashtonwhich covers Failsworth - MP Ms Rayner to climb the political ladder.

Mrs Abrahams becomes Shadow Secretary for Work and Pensions while Ms Rayner accepts the Shadow Cabinet's Women and Equalities portfolio.

Ms Rayner said: "I have been asked to serve the Labour Party in this vital role in the Shadow Cabinet and I am honoured to accept. Women make up more than half of our population and need a strong champion to fight for them especially in these turbulent times.

"I make that pledge and will get on with that job, whatever the events in Westminster and elsewhere. I also hope to do all I can to ensure Britain remains a tolerant, inclusive, fair country where each person is afforded equal treatment."

Mrs Abrahams, who is yet to comment, replaces Owen Smith MP, while Ms Rayner replaces Kate Green MP.