Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth South’s first ever Labour MP, has joined the party’s Communities and Local Government Team it was announced today, serving as the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government’s Parliamentary Private Secretary.
Andrew Gwynne, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State, confirmed the appointment in the Chamber on Monday evening.
The brief of the team includes shadowing the Government’s agenda for councils and communities to create great places to live and work, and to give more power to local people to shape what happens in their area.
Councils deliver vital local services to our communities, but their budgets have been slashed by Conservative cuts. This has led to a deterioration of local services, from bin collection to road repair, and the loss of community assets such as libraries, youth centres, and other important services.
Labour wants to see power devolved to local communities, giving them a greater say over economic development and reforming the planning system so that communities can shape the kinds of high streets, homes, and amenities that they want.
In accepting the appointment Stephen Morgan MP, said:
“The Tories have let down councils across our nation. Labour will reform the way local government is funded to ensure councils have a more sustainable future and that communities benefit.
In Portsmouth our great city has had a bad deal from government and our council and our communities have suffered as a result.
I am pleased to be appointed the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government’s PPS and look forward to working with Andrew and his team to unlock the potential of every single community”.
