??Steve Reed, Labour and Co-operative MP for Croydon North, has been appointed to the position and will shadow civil society minister Rob Wilson, who holds responsibility for youth policy, social action, mutuals and expanding the National Citizen Service.?
The shadow team is yet to finalise portfolios but it is expected Reed will have all of Wilson's responsibilities except libraries. He will take up the role in Labour deputy leader Tom Watson's shadow culture, media and sport team. ?
?Reed has been MP for Croydon North since 2012 and was appointed as shadow minister for local government in Jeremy Corbyn's former shadow cabinet before resigning in June. Anna Turley, MP for Redcar, who previously held the shadow minister for civil society role, also stepped down at the time.
?In a statement about his appointment, Reed said that the challenges the voluntary sector faces are "huge".
"Charities and community organisations are struggling to support growing numbers of people who need their help at a time when funding has been cut," he said.
??"Uncertainty caused by the Tories' chaotic response to Brexit means charity leaders fear more cuts are on the way.
"I know from my time in local government that community groups, co-ops and mutuals play a huge role in civic life, but they could do even more if given the chance with more open decision-making and a fairer share of resources.
"I'm looking forward to working with civil society to challenge a government that doesn't really trust, understand or value the community and voluntary sector."??
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