Incredibly proud and humbled to be asked by @Keir_Starmer to join the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. I know just how big a brief this is to both individuals and the UK economy. Keir has also asked me to be one of his representatives on the NEC

This crisis has brutally confirmed that our existing welfare state is not fit for purpose. Too often it leaves people without support and fails to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve

People may know I also have a family interest in disability policy. I will defend, at all times, the right of every person in this country to live the decent life we should all be entitled to

I will campaign vigorously against the disgraceful levels of child poverty, food bank need and homelessness this country has after 10 years of Tory Govt. We also need serious long-term thinking on pensions - as Shadow City Minister I've touched on this

Special thanks to all my friends at @ChrLeft, and to @johnmcdonnellMP for his leadership of the Treasury team over the last few years. Particularly pleased to be working alongside my Shadow Treasury colleague @anneliesedodds and with many other friends in this new role