Rosie's reward

AS Minister for Yorkshire, Rosie Winterton was an effective and enthusiastic advocate for this region. Her determination ensured that the area is at the vanguard of a green energy revolution which has the potential to underpin the economy for decades to come.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th May 2010, 23:08 BST
Updated 19th May 2010, 23:08 BST

Her promotion to the Shadow Cabinet is a fitting reward for a

politician who has sought to do the very best for the region that she is proud to represent. If only her assiduous example was followed by every MP who sits on the front benches of the House of Commons.

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The Doncaster Central MP's influence also offers a salutary lesson to the new Government. While one does not expect, in these austere times, for David Cameron to replicate very aspect of the outgoing and, at times, cumbersome Labour administration, it is important that he does, at least, appoint a Minister with specific responsibility for the North.

Such a move would have three benefits. It would assuage those who believe the Tories are predominantly a party of the Home Counties. It will help kickstart the economic recovery in areas that are over-dependent on the public sector. And it would, hopefully, ensure that Yorkshire does not lose out to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales when it comes to funding and political influence.

Related topics:YorkshireDavid CameronGovernmentHouse of CommonsLabour