Hyndburn MP appointed to housing select committee in Commons

In July's General Election, she won the marginal 'weathervane' seat from sitting Conservative Sara Britcliffe by 1,687 votes.

In her new role she will help scrutinise the work of Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and her ministers who include Lord Wajid Khan of Burnley.

The former Blackpool councillor, and youth and charity worker, said: "It has been a busy few weeks.

"First becoming the National Champion for the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and now I am delighted to have also been elected for a select committee.

"I am now on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee in Parliament.

"This is a great opportunity to continue to represent Hyndburn right at the heart of Westminster and represent the interests of our community.

"Select committees examine the work of government departments and lead inquiries before presenting reports to them.

"Committees can help shape policy by bringing issues to the attention of departments and giving a platform to those directly impacted by an issue to share their experiences before MPs.

"When I was campaigning to become the MP I laid out my personal priorities for Hyndburn.

"They were to restore and support our high streets, regenerate and build good quality homes and support our future generations to achieve their potential.

"I am now in a strong position to continue to push these priorities - making the voice for Hyndburn so much louder and stronger before decision-makers.

"I will never shy away from grabbing any opportunity that will give our home a greater say in influencing national policy.

"The hard work has begun. It will continue.”

The committee is chaired by fellow Labour MP Florence Eshalomi. Other members announced so dar include Labour MPs Mike Amesbury and Joe Powell,  and Conservative MPs Lewis Cocking and Gagan Mohindra.