Nigerian-born MP Kate Osamor appointed as Jeremy Corbyn's parliamentary secretary

NIGERIAN-born member of parliament for Edmonton Kate Osamor has been appointed as the parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to the new leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn as he puts his team together.

 

Ms Osamor, 47, was elected as an MP at the last election with 25,388 votes, increasing the Labour Party's majority in the constituency to 15,419 from 9,613. During the Labour Party's leadership campaign, she was one of the 35 MPs who nominated Mr Corbyn to get his name onto the ballot sheet.

 

She then worked closely with Mr Corbyn during his leadership bid on the Working With Women Policy document. As a reward for her efforts she has now been rewarded with the position of PPS, which she will share with Steve Rotheram MP.

 

Born in north London to Nigerian parents, Ms Osamor was first elected on to the Labour Party's National Executive Committee to represent constituency members in 2014. She was elected alongside several party heavyweights including Ken Livingstone, Ann Black, Ellie Reeves, Christine Shawcroft and Johanna Baxter.

 

Ms Osamor said: “Jeremy asked me personally if I would like this new role and I was delighted to accept it as he is great to work with and we share similar political visions. I am still first and foremost a constituency MP and whilst I’m excited to have this new position, my work in Edmonton is my priority.”

 

A National Health Service manager for 15 years, Ms Osamor is a trade union activist and a women's charity trustee.  She is one of four Nigerian MPs in parliament including Chi Onwurah representing Newcastle Central, Chuka Umunna representing Streatham and Helen Grant, the sole Nigerian MP in the Conservative Party representing Maidstone and the Weald.