MP for York Central Rachael Maskell has been appointed by embattled Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn as his shadow Defra secretary following the resignation of Kerry McCarthy.
Rachel Maskell was only elected as MP for York Central last year.
Ms Maskell has campaigned for a progressive Living Wage, skilled jobs, a sustainable city, affordable housing and to integrate health and social care during her short time as an MP.
The MP graduated from University of East Anglia with a degree in physiotherapy in 1994.
The 43-year-old had said she was committed to Britain remaining a member of the European Union. She has also said the EU is good for ‘jobs, higher education and the local York economy.’
She said: "This is a difficult time for the country as we are currently being plunged into a constitutional, economic and diplomatic crisis, and my job now is to make sure that this does not develop into a crisis for our agricultural and fishing industries.
"We are in a time of uncertainty and instability and I will work to limit any negative effect that withdrawal from the European Union could have and get the best out of the negotiations for the UK.
"I am hoping to meet with representatives from the industries shortly and will work with them to make sure their interests and those of the rest of the UK are best served."
She added: "Obviously there is a lot to this post in light of the decision on Thursday, and I am focussed on supporting the farming and fishing communities in light of the Brexit decision.
"There is a lot of dependency on EU funding and we need to ensure we have food security and that people working in those industries are reassured they will get all the support they need."
Jeremy Corbyn has been severely criticised for a “lukewarm” campaign on the EU referendum that resulted in Labour voters in working-class areas ignoring party pleas to vote remain.
