MP for Bristol West with fraught frontbench history will return as a shadow whip four months after her resignation

Thangam Debbonaire is to return to Jeremy Corbyn’s front benches only four months after resigning as a shadow minister.

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The MP for Bristol West, who learned she had been appointed shadow minister for culture, media and sport in error while being treated for cancer, confirmed she had been appointed as a shadow whip by the Labour leader.

Debbonaire was one of more than 70 frontbenchers who resigned after the EU referendum result, in protest at Corbyn’s lack of leadership. She was also one of 170 MPs who backed Owen Smith during the leadership race.



At the time of her resignation, Debbonaire released a damaging statement recounting how Corbyn had appointed and then sacked her without ever speaking to her about either decision. She was still receiving treatment for breast cancer at the time.

It was only when then shadow culture secretary, Maria Eagle, pushed him to reinstate her that he did so – which she only revealed after quitting the role.



Debbonaire said in a statement that she was delighted to take on the role. “My duty will be to serve the whole Labour family. Thanks to Jeremy Corbyn for giving me this opportunity to serve.



“These are uncertain times and there are real worries about the direction [in which] our country is heading. That makes it crucial that Labour is working as a strong, united team in parliament. We need to be able to effectively hold the government to account,” she said.

She added that she was looking forward to having an active role. “In the coming weeks and months we will be fighting for genuine parliamentary oversight of Brexit, opposing Theresa May’s divisive plans for grammar schools and putting pressure on the government over their inaction on Syria and the refugee crisis. I am looking forward to being an active part of that process.”

As a shadow whip her responsibilities will include acting as a communicator between backbenchers and the party leadership and ensuring that Labour MPs turn up to vote during their attempts to defeat the government.

Two other MPs, Nick Smith and Chris Elmore, will also be joining her in the whips’ office.