Hackney MP Diane Abbott joins Corbyn’s new Labour shadow cabinet

Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North & Stoke Newington

Diane Abbott has been named Shadow International Development Secretary

New Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has appointed Hackney MP Diane Abbott to Labour’s cabinet as shadow international development secretary.

Reacting to her new role on Twitter, the MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington said she was “very happy”, adding International Development was a “life-long passion” and “key to a more peaceful planet”.

Abbott has known Corbyn for thirty years, and was a vocal supporter of Corbyn’s Labour leadership campaign.

Last week Abbott came third place in the Labour London Mayoral selection, which was won by Tooting MP Sadiq Khan.

Despite Ms Abbott’s appointment, Corbyn has been criticised for not giving top roles to female MPs.

Ms Abbott has been approached for comment.