Plymouth Labour has announced a new spokesperson to champion the Violence Against Women and Girls agenda.

Councillor Zoe Reilly, who was elected as a Honicknowle ward councillor in May, has accepted the post and says that, while it is a huge responsibility it is also an “enormous honour” to take up the role.

“Violence Against Women and Girls has always been a high priority for me especially given my own personal experience which I shared in my first speech at full council in November,” said Zoe, who is a governor at Lipson Cooperative Academy and trained as a vegan chef. 

“Since I talked about what happened to me I have been inundated with messages from women wanting to tell me their stories. 

“I know that by taking on this role I will have the opportunity to use my lived experience to influence and inform the work which needs to happen as we work towards making Plymouth a zero tolerance city for VAWG,” said Zoe, who has three daughters.

“I look forward to supporting the work of the council’s Commission and its recommendations but I won’t be afraid to challenge or highlight when I believe more effort and impetus is required.”