The Spectator

Portrait of the week | 17 September 2015

Jeremy Corbyn chooses his shadow cabinet

issue 19 September 2015

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In the shadow cabinet chosen by the new Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, the Exchequer went to John McDonnell, a left-winger who had run his campaign for the leadership. Although Mr Corbyn’s defeated rival Andy Burnham was given the Home Office portfolio, most appointments were from the left. Angela Eagle, the new shadow business secretary, was also named shadow first secretary of state and would perform at Prime Minister’s Questions when the Prime Minister was away. Her twin sister Maria Eagle got the defence portfolio. Even Diane Abbott was given international development. Mr Corbyn had received 59.5 per cent of 422,664 votes cast; of the 105,000 who had paid £3 to register as supporters, 88,499 voted for him. Tom Watson was elected deputy leader. Mr Corbyn agreed to kiss hands on being sworn of the Privy Council, but at a service to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain he refused to sing the national anthem.

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