Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has appointed a shadow youth minister, it has been announced.
Corbyn appointed Steve Reed and Andy Slaughter to frontbench jobs as well as confirming the line-up of the whips’ office in the Commons.
Steve Reed, Labour and Co-operative MP for Croydon North, will shadow Rob Wilson the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Civil Society.
Wilson’s responsibilities include:
- supporting youth policy, leading on the creation of opportunities outside school for young people to develop skills and have a stake in society
- expanding the National Citizen Service
- growing volunteering, social action, community action and philanthropy
- creating the conditions for a more independent and resilient voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.
He will take up the role in Tom Watson’s Shadow Culture, Media and Sport team.
Reed said: “The challenges the voluntary sector faces are huge.
“Charities and community organisations are struggling to support growing numbers of people who need their help at a time when funding has been cut. The uncertainty caused by the Tories’ chaotic response to Brexit means charity leaders fear more cuts are on the way.
“I know from my time in local government that community groups, co-ops and mutuals play a huge role in civic life, but they could do even more if given the chance with more open decision making and a fairer share of resources.
“I’m looking forward to working with civil society to challenge a Government that doesn’t really trust, understand or value the community and voluntary sector,” he concluded.
