NEWCASTLE North MP, Catherine McKinnell, has been appointed by new Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to the Shadow Cabinet.

A former employment lawyer in Newcastle, she is the new Shadow Attorney General.

Ms Mckinnell said: “I am really pleased to have been asked to join the Shadow Cabinet at such an important time for the Labour Party, and particularly one which – for the first time ever – has a majority of women.

“Our focus as a party must be on holding the Tory Government to account for their actions, which are harming so many across Newcastle, the North-East and the rest of the country.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with my colleagues on this hugely important task.”