Anna Dixon MP for Shipley, says she is “honoured” to have been appointed as the new chair of the influential Labour Party-affiliated group, Christians on the Left.
Ms Dixon, who was elected to Parliament last July, will play a key role in leading the group, which contains over 30 members in the House of Commons and the House of Lords and whose previous members include former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
First formed in 1960, Christians on the Left is a socialist society that exists primarily to support, resource and network Christians involved on the left of politics in the UK.
The group operates nationally, and its main activities include promoting the values of Christian socialism, encouraging Christians to get involved in politics, and helping Christian candidates and incumbent politicians in their election campaigns.
The society has over 2400 members across the UK, including mayors and scores of local, borough and county councillors, along with those in Westminster.
Anna Dixon is taking over as chair of Christians on the Left from Jonathan Reynolds MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, who had been in the role since 2016 and announced his resignation after taking up a role in Keir Starmer’s Cabinet last summer.
Speaking after her appointment was announced, Anna Dixon MP said: “I am delighted and honoured to be taking up the role of Chair of Christians on the Left. I am grateful to Johnny Reynolds for the leadership he has given over the past 9 years.
“It is important we remain true to the traditions of Christian socialism and our values of social justice, loving our neighbour and tackling poverty. It is important to change with the times. I look forward to meeting members and working with the Executive officers and Director to shape a new strategy for Christians on the Left.
“With Labour in government for the first time in over 14 years, we have an opportunity to speak truth to power and have a direct influence.
“We will continue to encourage people of faith to stand, to support candidates and those in elected office with prayer and practical support. As an ecumenical organisation and an officially affiliated socialist society, we have an opportunity to reach out and draw more Christians into the Labour movement.”