My New Roles

I'm delighted to have been elected as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and would like to thank everyone who supported my campaign.

I have been asked by our new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, to serve as Chair of the Party, Leader of the House of Commons, Secretary of State for Equalities, Minister for Women and Lord Privy Seal. I am really pleased to be taking on these roles and working in Government to continue to fight for equality and fairness.

I am very grateful for all the support from the constituents of Camberwell & Peckham - not just in the Deputy Leadership election campaign, but over the 25 years that I have represented the local area.

Leader of the House of Commons

As Leader of the House of Commons I have pledged to be the"policewoman" in the cabinet who ensures that ministers show respect for MPs and that the new emphasis on putting Parliament first must be enforced.

That was one of the things that I said in my deputy leadership campaign, that I felt that people wanted to see no spin, no briefings, no leaking, respect for Parliament

Everybody has recognised that there has been an erosion of confidence in our political institutions and a climate of cynicism, this has not just been about the government. It has affected voter turnout and low voter turnout undermines the legitimacy of Parliament.

This is a problem that needs to be addressed. This is a very important time to be taking over as leader of the House. Because what the House does and what happens in the House, everybody agrees, is critical to turning that lack of legitimacy around.

To read more of my thoughts about my new role please read an interview with The House Magazine published on epolitix on 16th July 2007.

Minister for Women

As Minister for Women I made a statement in the House of Commons on 17th July 2007 setting out the future priorities of myself and Barbara Follett MP, Minister for Women and Equalities - click here to view our priorities.