Former education secretary will take up influential role that puts her at vanguard of Labour’s battle to win next general election

Bridget Phillipson has been appointed Labour party chair, putting her at the vanguard of Labour’s battle to win the next general election.

The former education secretary and architect of a landmark overhaul in special educational needs and disabilities (Send) provision in England will follow in the footsteps of other Labour big beasts who have held the position, including Harriet Harman, Angela Rayner and Tom Watson.