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Shadow Defra Secretary Jim McMahon has stepped down as Shadow Defra Secretary as Sir Keir Starmer reshuffles the Labour top team.

Steve Reed has been announced as his replacement.

Mr Reed is Labour MP for Croydon North and previously held the role of Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Shadow Lord Chancellor.

Steve Reed MP has been appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

— The Labour Party (@UKLabour)

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In a letter, Mr McMahon said he had been and remains a 'firm supporter' of the Labour Party leader but would step down after a number of personal challenges in the past year coming back from a serious illness.

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As the reshuffle begins, I have written to Keir to take the opportunity to step down from the Shadow Cabinet.
I have been and remain a firm supporter of Keir and the project we have built to offer Britain an electable Labour government after 13 wasted yrs under the Conservatives.

— Jim McMahon MP (@JimfromOldham)

Mr McMahon is the MP for Oldham West and Royton.

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He said he was 'proud' of the work done to expose Government failures on water quality, food security, animal welfare and a host of important environmental issues.

The Labour leader thanked Mr McMahon on Twitter.

He said: "I have no doubt you will continue to play an important role in the future of the Labour Party and the people of Oldham West & Royton are lucky to have you."

The first appointment of the day has been announced, with Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner appointed Shadow Levelling Up Secretary and Shadow Deputy Prime Minister.

Mark Tufnell, CLA president, said: "I welcome Steve Reed to his new role as Shadow Secretary of State, and wish him well as he settles into the role. ÌýThis is a crucial time for our countryside - with Environmental Land Management Schemes being rolled out, BPS being cut, rural communities being hit hard by the cost of living crisis and persistently low economic productivity harming our businesses and workers.

"Rural communities are an iconic part of our national life, and a foundation stone for both our economic and social prosperity. We will do all we can to help Mr Reed understand the vast potential of the countryside, so that we can go even further in feeding the nation, growing the economy, fighting climate change and restoring our cherished nature."