A LABOUR MP who revealed this week that she had beaten breast cancer got a second boost yesterday after being made a shadow culture minister. 

Thangam Debbonaire was diagnosed with the disease just six weeks after overturning an 11,000 Lib Dem majority to win Bristol West in May.

But she announced on Wednesday that she is starting her last phase of treatment and will be ready to make a staggered return to Parliament next month. 

And she was one of four MPs promoted to Labour’s front bench by Jeremy Corbyn yesterday in the final round of a week-long reshuffle. 

Ms Debbonaire, who trained as a cellist at the Royal College of Music and played professionally for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, said she was “thrilled to bits” by her appointment. 

She told the Star: “The role is a great fit with my personal and professional background and the vibrant cultural life of my city.

“As a former professional cellist I’m proud to be able to make this contribution to our national cultural life. 

“The Labour Party has a great track record of supporting the arts and I will do everything I can to continue that tradition.”

Ms Debbonaire’s treatment has prevented her from travelling to London but she has been working hard to represent her constituents from Bristol, raising constituents’ concerns through letters and written questions. 

After a course of chemotherapy, she underwent surgery to remove the tumour in November. Now she hopes to take her place on the green benches one day a week from February before making a full-time return in May. 

“I’ve just started a four-week course of radiotherapy — the last part of my treatment for breast cancer — and will be making a phased return to Parliament over the following weeks,” she said. 

“I’m very grateful for the support of the Labour Party leadership and my constituency team in being able to do so.”

Meanwhile in the reshuffle, Mr Corbyn promoted his private parliamentary secretary Kate Osamor to shadow minister for women and equalities. 

Imran Hussain, who also backed Mr Corbyn’s leadership campaign, joins the shadow development team, while former Unison president Dave Anderson was made a whip.