Lisa Nandy made culture secretary after Thangam Debbonaire's poll upset

Lisa Nandy will become secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport after Thangam Debbonaire’s electoral upset in Bristol Central.

Nandy, the former shadow international development secretary, will assume the post that classically trained cellist Debbonaire had hoped to take on in the new Labour government.

Within the past 13 years, 12 different people filled the culture minister’s position for the Conservatives.

Although Nandy does not have an arts and culture background, she has held a number of positions in Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet.

Previously shadow ‘levelling-up’ secretary, she is a member of the Unite union and has expressed support for remaining in the EU and promoting an international outlook.

In her Wigan constituency, Nandy won a comfortable 47.4% of the vote.

In a statement, Nandy said: "I am thrilled to be appointed to DCMS. Its industries give meaning to millions of lives and bring communities in our towns, villages and cities together. 

"As Culture Secretary, I will do everything I can to harness the limitless potential of the extraordinary people in these amazing sectors to drive economic growth, unlock opportunities for everyone and change lives for the better."

It comes after Debbonaire, who previously played with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, lost her seat to Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer by around 10,000 votes.

Arts leaders have expressed regret at Debbonaire’s loss in the election, with many praising her genuine passion and commitment for arts and culture.

Derby Theatre artistic director and chief executive Sarah Brigham had claimed Debbonaire, a graduate of Chetham’s School of Music, "would have been the first culture minister who had actually worked in culture".

Tom Morris, artistic director of Bristol Old Vic from 2009 to 2022, had called on Labour to consider making Debbonaire a Lord to parachute her into the cabinet and facilitate her "unqualified passion for the importance of excellence in all art forms".

Speaking following her defeat, Debbonaire said she "couldn’t be prouder" of Labour’s victory and expressed excitement "that creativity will be put back to the heart of every child’s education".