Parliamentary group on British Jews elects new co-chair

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Jews has announced its new co-chair.

Christian Wakeford, who represents the constituency of Bury South which has one of the largest Jewish communities, was elected to the post this week.

The APPG on British Jews works across the political divide to improve relations between the community and decision makers in Westminster on key issues.

Following the announcement at a Board of Deputies meeting on Monday, Wakeford reflected on the impact of Covid-19 for the community, which has suffered more than 500 deaths so far.

‘The coronavirus outbreak has thrown up real challenges for the Jewish community and I believe that building close relationships is the key to overcoming these, as I have seen in my constituency.”

Co-chair, MP for Ilford North, Wes Streeting, welcomed Wakeford to the role, adding: “We both represent proud Jewish communities locally, and I’m delighted to continue to support the community nationally through the work of the APPG.”

Board of Deputies Chief Executive Gillian Merron said: “We know that in his short time as an MP for Bury South he has already forged close links with the Jewish community in north Manchester, and we look forward to working with him on key issues for the whole community in the future.”

His election comes after former chair Paul Masterton lost his seat at the last General Election.