Ed Miliband returns to Labour's frontbench as shadow business secretary amid Sir Keir Starmer's overhaul

Ed Miliband has been appointed shadow business secretary amid Sir Keir Starmer's overhaul of Labour's frontbench team.

Meanwhile, defeated leadership contender Rebecca Long-Bailey has been made shadow education secretary, the Labour Party announced.

David Lammy, who practised as a barrister and was a leading voice against the Windrush scandal, was named as shadow justice secretary.

Emily Thornberry, who also ran in the leadership race, becomes shadow international trade secretary, John Healey will be shadow defence secretary and Jonathan Reynolds shadow work and pensions secretary.

Sir Keir has been making changes to the shadow cabinet, following his victory in the Labour leadership contest at the weekend.

Mr Miliband, who led the party prior to Jeremy Corbyn, is one of the biggest names to shift forward from the backbenches.

Following his appointment, he said in a statement: "I am looking forward to serving in Keir Starmer's shadow cabinet as shadow business and energy secretary alongside such a talented team.

"We must all focus on playing our part in the country's response to coronavirus, working with government to help the many businesses and workers who have been so badly hit and need their voice heard."

Ms Long-Bailey said she was "delighted" by her new role.

She thanked her predecessor and the new deputy leader Angela Rayner for her prior work.

"In this time of crisis I will do my utmost to ensure that our teaching staff, students and their families receive the support they deserve," Ms Long-Bailey added.

Mr Lammy thanked Sir Keir for "giving me the chance to serve".

"It is a great honour to be appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, in these very challenging times," he wrote on Twitter.

Yesterday, Sir Keir made his former leadership rival Lisa Nandy shadow foreign secretary, while Anneliese Dodds was made shadow chancellor.

Nick Thomas-Symonds has been appointed shadow home secretary, while Rachel Reeves was made shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Jonathan Ashworth remains shadow health secretary, Nick Brown has been re-appointed chief whip and Angela Smith stays as shadow leader of the Lords.

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