Local MP McMahon enters Keir Starmer's shadow cabinet

Jim McMahon, the new Shadow Secretary of State for Transport

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon has been appointed to Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet, as Shadow Secretary of State for Transport. 

Mr McMahon will take the lead on the Labour Party’s transport policy and scrutinise Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

The news follows a successful campaign by Ashton-Under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner - whose constituency includes Failsworth - who became Deputy Leader of the party on Saturday.

Speaking after his appointment, the new Shadow Transport Secretary said: “I’m delighted and humbled to join the Shadow Cabinet and thankful to Keir for the opportunity.

"This is an exciting time to serve our movement.

"I can’t wait to get started with Labour’s transport team and build upon the work of my predecessor Andy McDonald.

“I’ve loved my as a Shadow Minister for Local Government, and I’d like to thank all those I worked with in the Shadow CLG team, including my former bosses Andrew Gwynne and Teresa Pearce.”

Mr McMahon began his political career in 2003 when he was elected to Oldham council as councillor for Failsworth East. 

He went on to become the leader of the council between 2011 and 2016. 

He resigned from the role to campaign for the Oldham West and Saddleworth seat vacated by Michael Meacher.

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