Vernon Coaker replaces Ivan Lewis as NI Shadow Secretary of State

Vernon Coaker previously served two years as Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from October 2011 to October 2013

Labour's Vernon Coaker has returned to his former role as Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

His appointment was announced after the election of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour's new party leader at the weekend.

Mr Coaker replaces Ivan Lewis, who said he had offered to remain in the role in light of the current political crisis at Stormont. The offer was declined.

Mr Coaker previously served as Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from October 2011 to October 2013.

The father of two has been the MP for Gedling in Nottinghamshire since 1997.

Mr Coaker - who chaired Yvette Cooper's Labour leadership campaign - was also minister for schools when Gordon Brown was prime minister.