Hackney MPs, Dianne Abbott and Meg Hillier, have been chosen as members of Labour’s shadow cabinet, as Ed Milliband attempts to rebuild the party.

Dianne Abbott, previously a candidate for the Labour leadership race, has been given the position of Junior Minister for Public Health. The Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP said she vows to remain outspoken on all matters of health:

“I am honoured to take up this position in the party. I am pleased to be able to work alongside our new leader to help him to carry out the vision of our party’s future, and I will continue to be a strong voice within the party and in opposition.”

In neighbouring ward, Hackney North, Meg Hillier stepped into the boots previously filled by Labour Leader, Ed Miliband, as she became the Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary.

She stated that she was “thrilled to be able to change policy” and integrating her borough into her plans would be central as she outlined aims to arrange a Hackney forum for people to share their views.  She said: “The green sector is growing and I want to see how we invest in that development.”

The announcements came as Miliband hailed the ‘new generation’ of Labour politics.