An MP who shocked his colleagues by defecting from the Conservatives and joining Labour has now been given a role handling party discipline.

Christian Wakeford MP, who represents Bury South, which includes Bradley Fold, was first elected as a Conservative in the 2019 general election but rocked the House of Commons when he crossed the floor to join Labour earlier this year.

Having previously served with the shadow education team, this week has now taken up a new role as an opposition whip meaning that the one-time Tory will now help oversee Labour party discipline.

Mr Wakeford said: “It’s an honour to be asked to serve in the Labour whips office and to play my part as Labour continues to be a government in waiting under Keir Starmer.”

He added: “Obviously I’m very sad to be leaving the shadow education team who are all fantastic and Bridget Phillipson will make and excellent Secretary of State but I’m very excited for this new role and what I can bring to our party.”

ALSO READ: Bury South MP Christian Wakeford resigns from Tories to join Labour

ALSO READ: Row breaks out between Piers Morgan and Bury MP Christian Wakeford over 'offensive' Tweet

Mr Wakeford will now work under Labour chief whip Alan Campbell, who has held the position since May 2021, to ensure that fellow MP’s follow their party leadership’s line on crucial votes in the House of Commons.