Abbott to stand for shadow cabinet

Diane Abbott has announced that she will standing for the new shadow cabinet

Abbott changed the dynamics of debate within the leadership race being the only black politician and woman to stand, but she also brought a wealth of experience as a seasoned MP-she first entered Parliament in 1987 alongside Bernie Grant, Keith Vaz and Paul Boateng. It was the Labour party black sections movement which proved to be a catalyst in the milestone of the 1987 election.

Now Abbott will be standing for the shadow cabinet selections-the formation of an opposition which now  hopes to present itself as an alternative to the coalition government.

For now the political jostling for the imminent Shadow Cabinet reshuffle will continue with the new Labour Party leader Ed Miliband set to deal with some challenging decisions ahead.

Other BME MPs who have put their names forward for the shadow cabinet include David Lammy, former Education Minister and Sadiq Khan, Ed Miliband's leadership campaign manager.

By Richard Sudan