Catherine McKinnell, Member of Parliament for Newcastle North has expressed her ‘surprise and delight’ at being appointed Shadow Solicitor General as part of the new Labour leader, Ed Miliband’s, first shadow team.

Catherine McKinnell, who previously worked as a lawyer specialising in employment law for a top regional firm, before she was elected to parliament as part of the regions’ ‘new generation’ of MP’s in May this year.

Ms McKinnell says “I am so pleased to accept this important and challenging role as part of Ed Miliband’s new team. The Labour Party has a huge responsibility to ensure that the policies and legislation being put through by this Liberal Conservative government are lawful and just and I will work hard to ensure that the interests of the public are protected.”

This high profile appointment is recognition of the impact that Catherine McKinnell has already made in Parliament, receiving wide praise and support for her ‘Apprenticeships and Skills Bill’ and forcefully speaking up for the North East.

Catherine will work alongside Labour shadow Attorney General Baroness Scotland, and will Shadow Tory Solicitor General Edward Garnier QC MP.