Bristol West MP Thangam Debonnaire appointed Labour Whip

Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire has been appointed a Labour Whip in Jeremy Corbyn's shadow team.

It means she is back in the Labour leader's favour - albeit in a small way - after resigning from her role as Shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport in June.

Here is her full statement

"I am delighted to take on the role of Labour Whip. My duty will be to serve the whole Labour family. Thanks to Jeremy Corbyn for giving me this opportunity.

"These are uncertain times and there are real worries about the direction 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.

"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.

"I would like to take this opportunity to reassure people in Bristol West that I will continue to work hard on their behalf, and continue to be their representative, advocate and champion in Westminster and Bristol".