Former advisor to Nick Raynsford named in shadow CLG team

Published by Ross Macmillan for 24dash.com in Communities and also in Housing

The Shadow frontbench team that will take on Eric Pickles' communities department was unveiled over the weekend, with former Parliamentary advisor to Nick Raynsford Alison Seabeck among those selected.

Led by former housing minister Caroline Flint, the team also comprises of Worsley and Eccles South MP Barbara Keeley, who just missed out on election to Labour's shadow cabinet, trade union leader Jack Dromey, MP for Birmingham Erdington and Chris Williamson, MP for Derby North.

On her annoucement to shadow cabinet, Caroline Flint said: “To be elected to the shadow cabinet is a great vote of confidence.  I was delighted when Ed offered me the communities brief and I can’t wait to get stuck in.

“There is a real mood of confidence among colleagues and a determination to hold this Coalition to account.

“It is our intention to be a reasonable, purposeful opposition – we won’t oppose just to court popularity.  But we fear that the Government’s approach to the deficit is rash and reckless and important local services may be sacrificed in their drive to reduce the deficit, whatever the cost.”

Emily Thornberry, who had been tipped by party sources for the role of housing minister, will work under John Healey shadowing health.