Sunderland MP Sharon Hodgson promoted to new shadow minister's role

The Washington and Sunderland West MP said she was “delighted” to be appointed shadow minister for veterans.

After her role was confirmed on Good Friday, she said: "I'm delighted to be asked to serve in Keir Starmer's shadow ministerial team as the shadow minister for veterans.

"The North East has a rich military history and I am looking forward to representing our communities from the opposition front bench."

Ms Hodgson will be serving in the shadow defence team led by John Healey, the new shadow secretary of state for defence, who said: “I'm delighted Sharon is part of Labour's new shadow defence team.

“She's one of the best campaigning MPs in the House of Commons and she'll now lead our Labour crusade for veterans. Sharon will be a major asset for our front bench team."

Ms Hodgson had previously served for more than four years as the shadow minister for public health under Jonathan Ashworth.

On Good Friday she also offered her condolences to victims of coronavirus and their families after it was confirmed that an emergency Nightingale hospital was poised to open in her constituency, near Nissan’s car plant, in the next fortnight.

Sunderland has an estimated 26,000 military veterans living in the city and facilities devoted to helping them include the Emergency Rendezous (ERV) centre, in Roker Avenue, which was opened in late 2019 by Veterans in Crisis Sunderland.

Further details about its work are available via (0191) 5671878 or (07398) 916590.

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