Labour reshuffle: Shadow cabinet allies sing Michael Dugher's praises after sacking

The first casualty of Jeremy Corbyn's so-called "revenge reshuffle" is the former shadow sports and culture secretary Michael Dugher. The Barnsley East MP announced his sacking on Twitter after the Labour leader gave him the bad news.

The 40-year-old had served under Ed Miliband as shadow secretary and was appointed to Corbyn's top team on 13 September. But Dugher will now have to represent Labour from the backbenches in the House of Commons after his leader's 5 January decision.

Tom Watson, Labour's deputy leader, paid tribute to Dugher in a statement. "Michael Dugher is a rare politician – a talented working-class member of parliament who hasn't lost his strong Yorkshire roots," the West Bromwich East MP said.

"Politicians with his ability and commitment can make a difference in any role. Labour's loss in the shadow cabinet will be compensated for by Michael's free thought on the backbenches."

Just been sacked by Jeremy Corbyn. I wished him a happy new year.

— Michael Dugher MP (@MichaelDugher) January 5, 2016

Lucy Powell, the shadow education secretary, also praised her former shadow cabinet colleague. "Michael is a formidable campaigner who has provided an important and authentic voice to the shadow cabinet. Him going is a loss," the Manchester Central MP added.

Elsewhere, Corbyn's current shadow minister for mental health Lucian Berger showed her support for Dugher. "Michael has shown great passion and dedication to his brief as shadow culture secretary," she said. "He is a skilled campaigner who worked hard to widen access to arts and culture, to protect small music venues and to promote grassroots sport."

But Jon Lansman, the left-wing activist behind the Momentum group, was not so complimentary in his reaction to Dugher's sacking. Lansman accused him of doing a "disservice" to Corbyn.

It is not only @jeremycorbyn to whom @MichaelDugher did a disservice. His strategic errors ensured @andyburnhammp did not become leader

— Jon Lansman (@jonlansman) January 5, 2016

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