McKinnell steps down amid Starmer reshuffle

NEWCASTLE MP has left the Government following the reshuffle sparked by Angela Rayner's resignation.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

Catherine McKinnell has left the ministerial post she has held in the Department for Education since last year's general election.

The Labour MP for Newcastle North said she had been offered another role as part of Sir Keir Starmer’s reshuffle but chose to resign. The Government changes followed Ms Rayner's departure as deputy prime minister and housing secretary on Friday over a row surrounding underpayment of stamp duty on an £800,000 flat.

Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson remains education secretary, while Tynemouth MP Sir Alan Campbell has moved from being chief whip to leader of the House of Commons.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, which she posted on social media,