THE MP for Batley and Spen has been promoted to the shadow cabinet as Secretary of State for digital, culture, media and sport.

Tracy Brabin, who was elected as MP for Batley and Spen after the murder of Jo Cox, has been chosen to replace former deputy leader Tom Watson as Shadow Media, Culture and Sport Secretary.

She was previously the shadow early years minister on the frontbench from 2017.

The MP said: "I’m looking forward to working with DCMS stakeholders as well as holding the government to account in the months ahead.

"I've always been open about my love for culture so I’m very proud!

"My thanks to Jeremy Corbyn for the opportunity and I know Tom Watson's shoes are big ones to fill.

"It’s such an honour to be able to represent Batley and Spen in the Shadow Cabinet and I’ll continue to be a passionate voice for our community."

Having been a successful actor on stage and screen and a writer prior to entering politics, Ms Brabin feels she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of the arts to the role.

The MP also co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Theatre, which was launched last year, and is a vocal critic of the English Baccalaureate’s impact on arts education.

She will continue her mission to improve access to the arts and culture in Batley and Spen since taking over the seat in 2016. This includes supporting the fantastic Batley and Spen Youth Theatre, organising for arts professionals to visit the area, and supporting brilliant cultural events such as Batley Festival and the Great Get Together.

The current Secretary of State for DCMS is Nicky Morgan, who was handed a life peerage after she stepped down at December’s General Election and sits in the House of Lords.

Tracy Brabin, MP for Batley and Spen and new Shadow Secretary of State for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: “With more than 30 years’ experience in the creative industries, I feel perfectly placed to hold the Government to account.

“Culture and the arts are my life’s passion, but sport, the media and digital industry are all massively important to British life.

“I’m looking forward to meeting stakeholders and throwing myself into this role.

“A Government that doesn’t invest in culture is a Government disinterested in the wellbeing of its citizens.

“Manifesto pledges made by the Tories include investing in the arts in schools, supporting local libraries and museums and I’ll be holding the government’s feet to the fire to improve the Jobs, opportunities, happiness and wellbeing of the community and its citizens.”