A WHARFEDALE MP has landed a position in the Shadow Cabinet.

New Labour leader Keir Starmer has appointed Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) as Shadow Minister for Tourism and Heritage.

Mr Sobel, is the first MP representing the constituency - which includes the Adel and Wharfedale and Otley and Yeadon wards - to have been given a front bench position.

His role will see him shadow the Government’s Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage Nigel Huddleston.

It will involve covering a number of key areas including the arts, museums, libraries, gambling and lotteries, cultural diplomacy and the tourism industry.

Delighted with his appointment, Mr Sobel told the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer: “It is a great honour to be appointed as shadow minister for tourism and heritage and to be part of the shadow front bench team.

“This work will be particularly resonant for the people of Otley who will know my record on standing up for the great heritage that we have here and for doing my bit to promote the local tourist trade.

“It will be beneficial to have greater national influence over policy in these sectors particularly as our hotels, local businesses and pubs struggle to get back on their feet after the coronavirus pandemic.

“For now, my full focus will be on ensuring the best possible outcome for my constituents during this terrible time of crisis and on doing everything I can to keep people safe.”

Mr Sobel was re-elected last December with 23,971 votes and a greatly increased majority, consolidating his position in the constituency

For the 12 years before 2017 the Leeds North West seat had been held by Greg Mulholland for the Liberal Democrats.