A Labour MP who proudly says she campaigns against “dodgy landlords” has become a key aide to housing minister Matthew Pennycook.

Andy Burnham has appointed Mary Kelly Foy as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to housing minister Matthew Pennycook. 

In her acceptance statement on Facebook, the City of Durham MP says: “Delighted to be asked to join the Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) team as PPS to the Minister of State, Matthew Pennycook MP – of course I accepted.

“Many constituents will know that I am often on the case about various HCLG related issues from the lack of social housing, fleecehold and dodgy landlords to name but a few.

“It’ll be a pleasure to support the Government’s work, particularly since the new Prime Minister has pledged to deliver the biggest council house building programme since the post-war period. What an exciting prospect. I can’t wait to get cracking.”

She is a member of the Social Campaign Group, considered to be on the hard left of the Labour Party.