Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner to join Shadow Cabinet while Plymouth MP Luke Pollard takes temporary leave following shootings

Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner will join the Shadow Cabinet for the next month, Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed.

He will be stepping up as Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment while Luke Pollard takes a temporary leave of absence following the fatal shooting of five people in his Plymouth constituency on August 12.

In a tweet the Labour leader said: “Today I’ve agreed a request from @LukePollard to take a step back from his shadow environment role for the next month so he can support his community after the shootings in Keyham. He will return for #Lab21. While away, @DanielZeichner will look after Labour’s Defra work.”

Mr Zeichner said: “It’s a huge honour to be asked to keep my hand on the tiller as we approach the vital COP26 conference. Of course my number one priority remains my Cambridge constituents but I know Cambridge people want action on the climate and biodiversity emergency. I’ll be working hard on Labour’s Green New Deal and Rural Review policies ready for Luke’s return.”

Jake Davison killed five people in Keyham area on August 12 before turning the gun on himself.

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