Doncaster North MP Ed Miliband appointed to Sir Keir Starmer's new shadow cabinet

Mr Miliband, a former party leader himself from 2010 to 2015, takes up the role as shadow business and energy secretary.

The Doncaster MP, who was first elected in 2005, said that the response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic would be the immediate priority.

He was re-elected to the Doncaster North seat in December with a significantly reduced majority of 2,370.

Conservative MP for Don Valley, Nick Fletcher offered congratulations and said he was 'sure he would do a great job'.

Mr Miliband said: “I am looking forward to serving in Keir Starmer’s shadow business and energy secretary alongside such a talented team.

“We must focus on playing our part in the country’s response to coronavirus, working with government to help the many businesses and workers who have been so badly hit and need their voice heard.

“As Keir has said, we cannot go back to business as usual after this crisis. We will need to reshape our economy, addressing the millions of workers face.

“We must also return to climate change as the unavoidable long-term issue of our time, including with a recovery based on providing economic justice through a Green New Deal.”

Sir Keir won the leadership contest after beating Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy.