Labour frontbencher Tony Lloyd quits shadow cabinet to focus on coronavirus recovery

Mr Lloyd is the Labour MP for Rochdale.

Labour frontbencher Tony Lloyd is stepping down as Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary so he can focus on recovering from coronavirus.

The party announced he will replaced by the Shadow Policing Minister Louise Haigh, who has been filling in for him in following his hospitalisation with Covid-19.

Mr Lloyd, who has served in the shadow Cabinet for two years, was discharged from intensive care at Manchester Royal Infirmary last week after being admitted on April 6.

The veteran MP said: "It certainly is a tough condition and it has no doubt left me literally gasping for air.

"But I am happy to say that I am, and continue to be, on the mend."

Confirming he would now be stepping down, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “I want to thank Tony for his service during his time in the shadow cabinet and on the front bench.

“The whole of the Labour Party wishes him and his family the very best as he continues with his recovery.”

Mr Lloyd has been the Labour MP for Rochdale since 2017, having previously served as the member for Stretford from 1983 to 2012.