Jim’s new role in Labour’s leadership team

NEW MP: Jim McMahon

OLDHAM’S new MP Jim McMahon has been appointed assistant to deputy Labour leader Tom Watson only weeks after his election.

Mr McMahon said he was “delighted” to accep the role of Parliamentary Private Secretary to Mr Watson.

A PPS is selected by a senior minister or shadow minister to be his unpaid assistant - a job often seen as a first step towards a ministerial career.

His appointment as PPS comes days after he gave his maiden speech in the House of Commons.

He said: “It’s an honour to be asked to be part of a leadership team so quickly. As a new boy I need to learn the ropes and understand how the system works and this is a good way to do that.”