London, United Kingdom. British Cypriot MP Nesil Caliskan has been appointed to a government post for the first time, named by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as the parliamentary undersecretary of state for devolution, faith, and communities. She was appointed on Tuesday night and formally undertook her duties on Wednesday.
New responsibilities and historic appointment
Caliskan is responsible for regional devolution in England, local authorities, investment zones and freeports, and matters related to faith, among other areas. She became the first British Turkish Cypriot to undertake a government role and said it was “an honour to accept” the post.
Comments on local government experience
“Having been a council leader, I know how important councils are to transforming their local communities. I will work tirelessly to deliver the government’s agenda and will continue to represent my constituents in Barking and Dagenham,” Caliskan said, referring to her east London constituency.
Reaction from Turkish Cypriot leader
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman said Caliskan’s appointment was “a source of great pride and significance for Turkish Cypriots living abroad” and expressed his “appreciation” for her “years of dedicated public service”. He said her success “sets an inspiring example for young generations of Turkish Cypriots and demonstrates the growing strength of the contribution which diverse communities in the United Kingdom make to democratic public life”.
Change in post and Labour Party tensions
Caliskan replaced Miatta Fahnbulleh, who had resigned in an effort to urge Starmer to resign after the Labour Party lost almost 1,500 local councillors in last week’s local elections and lost control of the Welsh government for the first time since the creation of the Welsh devolved authority in 1999.
Calls for Starmer to resign and disputed letter
More than 90 of Labour’s 403 MPs have called on Starmer to resign, though he has so far defied those calls. Starmer held a 15-minute meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Wednesday morning after having reportedly refused to speak to him after Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, and Streeting is widely expected to challenge him for the party’s leadership.
A letter purportedly signed by more than 100 Labour MPs was published. Caliskan’s name was not among the signatories, while fellow British Cypriot MP Bambos Charalambous’ name was. At least one Labour MP whose name appeared among the signatories denied having signed it.
What do you think Caliskan’s appointment could mean for regional devolution and community policy in England?
