‘It’s a privilege to put Wakefield and Rothwell at the heart of this new Government’

Wakefield and Rothwell MP Simon Lightwood has been given a new role by Prime Minister Andy Burnham in his opening ministerial reshuffle.

Following his entry to 10 Downing Street last week, Mr Burnham selected Simon as the new joint Minister for Equalities alongside MP for Southampton Test, Satvir Kaur.

He was also re-appointed as the Minister for Transport.

“I’m delighted to have been re-appointed as a Transport Minister and honoured to take on the additional responsibility of Minister for Equalities.” Simon said.

"It’s a privilege to continue serve and put Wakefield and Rothwell at the heart of this new Government.

“Good transport links are essential for our communities, connecting people to jobs, education and opportunities.”

Simon was first elected as MP for Wakefield in a by-election in June 2022, and was re-elected as MP for Wakefield and Rothwell in July 2024.

In 2024, he was also appointed the Minister for Transport.

He continued: “Over the last two years, we’ve delivered real progress: securing over £3 billion to support bus services, investing record amounts in our roads to tackle the pothole plague we inherited, and bringing our railways back into public ownership.

“I’m also proud to be joining the Equalities team, helping to ensure everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

“But whether it’s in transport or equalities, my focus will always be on delivering for the people of Wakefield and Rothwell and standing up for my constituents.”