Shadow minister Tessa Jowell to quit frontline politics

SHADOW Olympics minister Tessa Jowell is quitting frontline politics after two decades in Labour’s top team.

• Dame Tessa lauded for instrumental role in securing Olympics for London

• Labour leader Ed Miliband thanked Dame Tessa, and the ‘enormous’ legacy she has left

The Labour MP was instrumental in securing and delivering the London 2012 Games while in government and continued to play a key role in opposition.

Labour leader Ed Miliband said the Olympics and Paralympics would not have been possible without Dame Tessa’s determination.

Announcing the move yesterday Dame Tessa said it was a privilege to have been involved in the London Games from start to finish and praised Olympians, Paralympians and the volunteers who helped the spectacular events to run smoothly.

She said: “It has been the greatest privilege to have served as part of Labour’s front-bench team, in government and most recently in the shadow cabinet for nearly 20 years.

“To have been able to be part of planning and delivering the Olympic and Paralympic Games from start to finish is a rare opportunity in public life and that too has been a privilege. After ten years with the Olympics and Paralympics, it is job done.”

Mr Miliband said Dame Tessa has left an “enormous” legacy and the country owes her a “debt of gratitude”.