A South London MP has resigned as a shadow minister as she wants to focus more of her "time and efforts" on the residents of Battersea.

Labour's Marsha de Cordova, the shadow women and equalities secretary announced her resignation from shadow cabinet via Twitter on September 14.

The MP's resignation will mean the role will need to be filled by Labour leader Keir Starmer as soon as possible.

The Labour leader has thanked her for her service on "highlighting the disproportionate impact Covid has had on black, asian, minority ethnic and disabled people".

In a tweet, the former minister said: "It has been an immense privilege to serve as the shadow women and equalities secretary for the past 17 months.

"It therefore comes with much sadness that I am resigning with immediate effect."

She added: "Having only been elected in 2017 for the historically marginal constituency of Battersea, I would like to focus more of my time and efforts on the people of Battersea.

"I will continue to support Keir Starmer from the backbenches."

In response, Keir Starmer tweeted: "Thank you Marsha for your service and work highlighting the disproportionate impact Covid has had on Black, Asian, minority ethnic and disabled people.

"You've laid the foundations for a new Labour Race Equality Act to tackle structural inequalities which have existed for too long."

The new shadow women and equalities secretary is expected to be announced shortly.

Previously, Labour voted to ban four far-left factions that were vocal supporters of Jeremy Corbyn's leadership and to overhaul its complaints process, causing further tensions between the former leader and Starmer.

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