Hackney MP Diane Abbott lands top job in Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet

‘Honoured’: Diane Abbott MP

Hackney MP Diane Abbott has landed a top job in the shadow cabinet following Jeremy Corbyn’s front bench reshuffle.

The Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, a close friend of Corbyn whose constituency neighbours his, has been promoted to shadow home secretary.

It will be the third shadow cabinet role Abbott has held since Corbyn became Labour leader a year ago.

The 63-year-old formerly shadowed international development and health, and takes over the role of shadow home secretary from Andy Burnham.

Abbott was elected to parliament in 1987, when she became Britain’s first black female MP.

As one of Corbyn’s closest allies, Abbott’s promotion has been seen by some as a sign of the Labour leader tightening his control over rebel Labour MPs.

In a statement, Abbott said : “I am honoured to serve. My first job when I left university was as a graduate trainee in the Home Office, so my career has come full circle.”