Debbie is Andy’s right-hand woman

OLDHAM East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams has been appointed as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham.

The unpaid role is an appointment by a minister, or shadow secretary, to be his or her assistant and gives vital experience of working in government or opposition.

Mrs Abrahams was a public health specialist for 18 years before being elected this year and has worked as the Director of the Public Health research unit at the University of Liverpool as well as chairman of Rochdale Primary Care NHS Trust between 2002 and 2006.

She said: “I’m really honoured to be asked by Andy to take up this role supporting him in his duties as the new Shadow Health Secretary.”