Thank you to Angela Rayner 🌹 for appointing me as Shadow Minister for Devolution & the English Regions🌹

A huge thank you also to my predecessor @AlexNorrisNN who has been brilliant.

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Sadly, it also means I will no longer be the Shadow Minister for Homelessness & Rough Sleeping. Taking on that role was one of the greatest honours of my life.

The problem of homelessness & rough sleeping are acute, but the solutions needn’t be. Those who work in the sector are brilliant & have helped me every step of the way in my role. They are buzzing with ideas & solutions on how we can tackle all forms of homelessness.

I know my friend & colleague Mike Amesbury MP will take up the mantle & work with partners as we develop a strategy ahead of the next General Election.

I would also like to pay tribute to some key organisations for your counsel and advice in recent months. To name a few: Crisis Centrepoint Homeless Link National Housing Federation Centre for Homelessness Impact DAHA Oasis Community Housing Sam & Christa at Households in Temporary Accommodation APPG & so many more.

I will keep a keen interest in all matters of homelessness. True devolution for our country means reducing regional inequalities, as well as tackling poverty & the housing crisis & supporting those at the sharp end, wherever they are.

No one should live on the streets. No child should be in bed & breakfast accommodation. No domestic abuse victim should be stuck in temporary accommodation. Everyone should have a safe and secure home to call their own.