MP steps back from senior role in wake of deadly shooting in Plymouth
Luke Pollard has temporarily stepped down from the Shadow Cabinet to focus on helping the community
Last updated 1st Sep 2021
Plymouth MP Luke Pollard is temporarily stepping back from his role on the Shadow Cabinet in the wake of the mass shooting.
Five people were killed when the gunman, 22-year-old local Jake Davison, opened fire in Keyham.
They included his mother, 51-year-old Maxine Davison, a three-year-old girl and her father.
Mr Pollard said he always promised to put the people of Plymouth first when he was elected and that is vital as the community faces one of its toughest times.
Mr Pollard said: "That difficult time will continue, especially as we approach the times of the funerals and then in the weeks and months that will follow them.
"So we need to have a long-term commitment to the people in this community to make sure that they're getting the help and support that they need, but equally that Keyham is able to come together and rebuild and heal so it's known for more than just the location of a horrendous shooting.
"So that we can give our young people hope and support and make sure that we're all able to give the community the help that it needs; that's going to take a lot of work and a lot of time".
Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, said Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Mr Pollard was stepping back from his role as Shadow Environment Secretary "so he can support his community after the shootings''.
A party spokesman said: "Following the shootings in his Plymouth Sutton and Devonport constituency, Keir Starmer has agreed to a request by Luke Pollard MP to temporarily step back from his role as shadow secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs for the next month to focus on supporting the victims, their families and the wider Plymouth community".
Shadow Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner will lead Labour's environment team until Luke Pollard's return for the party conference in late September.