Barrister and Keir Starmer loyalist Shabana Mahmood MP has been named as shadow justice secretary in the Labour reshuffle announced ahead of tomorrow's reopening of the political season.  

Shabana Mahmood

Shabana Mahmood MP

Source: UK Parliament

She replaces former Law Society employee Steven Reed MP, who had been shadow justice secretary since 2021. Reed becomes shadow Defra secretary in Labour's new team. 

Emily Thornberry MP remains in place as shadow attorney general.

Mahmood, 42, was elected as MP for Birmingham Ladywood in 2010. She was born and brought up in Birmingham and called to the bar at Grays Inn after studying on a scholarship. In practice, she specialised in professional indemnity cases. 

Her previous shadow ministerial roles include spells at home affairs, business and as shadow chief secretary to the Treasury. 

The Law Society welcomed Mahmood's appointment. 'Her background in the legal sector stands her in good stead to grapple with the many complex and urgent issues we face across the justice system,' said president Lubna Shuja.'We look forward to discussing these further with her very soon.'