One of Britain's longest serving Indian-origin MPs, Keith Vaz, has been appointed as vice-chairman of the Labour party.
Vaz, 58, who was re-elected from his Leicester East stronghold at the May 7 general election, also serves as the chair of the influential Home Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons.
"I am delighted to have been appointed as vice-chairman of the Labour Party. After coming through a difficult election, it is time for the party to regroup and bring fresh new ideas to the table. Playing a part in that process is a source of great pride for me," Vaz said in reference to his new role announced by acting Leader of the Opposition Harriet Harman.
Harman, Labour's deputy leader, had assumed charge of the party after Ed Miliband stepped down as party leader following his party drubbing in the general election.
"Having served on the National Executive Committee (NEC) for a number of years, I know that the Labour Party draws deep strength from its members. I will ensure by working with Harriet Harman that we will continue to energise the party and reach out to communities in a positive and constructive way," Vaz said.
The NEC is the Labour party's administrative authority which oversees the running of the party.
The Labour party is set to hold an election to choose a party leader in September.
Meanwhile, Harman is in charge of the Opposition's affairs in the British Parliament.
