MP proud to accept damehood

NEWCASTLE MP Chi Onwurah said she was “proud and humbled” to have been made a Dame in The King's Birthday Honours List.

- NICOLE GOODWIN

The MP for Newcastle Central and West has been awarded the title for political and public service.

She added that she will use the honour to “continue fighting for opportunity, equality, and dignity”.

Dame Chi, who is also chair of the Commons Science, Technology and Innovation Select Committee, said: “Growing up as the only Black family on a council estate in north Newcastle - female, in a one-parent household, on benefits, with a disabled mother I never imagined I'd one day be called Dame. But I am proud and humbled to accept this honour.

“I accept it on behalf of my constituents, who have placed their trust in me time and again. The North East is not honoured enough, despite the extraordinary work happening across our communities, and I hope this recognition helps shine a light on that.”