News / Politics
Promotion for new MP after return from cancer
Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire has been appointed a shadow minister just weeks after she announced she would be returning to Westminster following successful cancer treatment.
Debbonaire, who took her seat from the Lib Dems in May last year, is now shadow minister for culture media and sport with a specific focus on culture.
The MP said the move was well suited given her background as a former professional cellist and the “vibrant” city she represents.
The move comes following a reshuffle by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn which saw Maria Eagle move to shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport, replacing Michael Dugher who was removed from his post for criticising the leadership.
Debbonaire said: “I’m thrilled to bits at my new appointment as shadow minister for culture, media and sport. The focus will be on the culture part of the brief, which makes the role a great fit with my personal and professional background, and the vibrant cultural life of my city.
“As a former professional cellist I’m proud to be able to make this contribution to our national cultural life. The Labour Party has a great track record of supporting the arts and I will do everything I can to continue that tradition.”
The MP, 49, announced she had cancer just two months after being elected and went into treatment shortly after. She announced her return earlier this month, adding that recent tests showed no cancer cells after her surgery and chemotherapy treatment at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre.
She said on Thursday: “I’ve just started a four-week course of radiotherapy – the last part of my treatment for breast cancer – and will be making a phased return to Parliament over the following weeks. I’m very grateful for the support of the Labour Party leadership and my constituency team in being able to do so.”
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