Bill Esterson appointed new shadow minister for small business

Former small business owner says he will support campaign for fair business rates

Sefton Central Labour MP and new shadow minister for small business Bill Esterson

Sefton Central Labour MP Bill Esterson said he is delighted to have been appointed Labour's shadow small business minister so he can "stand up for the backbone of the British economy".

Bill has been formally announced as the small business minister on Jeremy Corbyn's front bench. The former small business owner, whose constituency covers Formby, Crosby, Maghull and Aintree, said he will fight for the interests of small businesses throughout the country.

Bill Esterson said: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to serve on the front bench and to speak up on behalf of small businesses around the country.

"I will support the campaign for fair Business Rates.

"I will argue that small business get access to government contracts and that there is a level playing field between businesses of all sizes.

"There needs to be much better opportunity for small businesses to develop, grow and be the job creators that we need in our communities and in our country.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create the jobs that we need. They are crucial at every level of a strong and thriving economy that works for employer and staff alike.

"There are more than five-million businesses in this country. They are crucial to the success of our country."

Bill said he will use his own personal experiences, and the experiences he has gained in the last five years championing small businesses in his own constituency, in his new role.

Bill said: "I was the director of a small business for 15 years before I became an MP.

"I know what it is like running a business with banks that don't want to lend and are therefore making life very difficult. I know what challenges small business face day in day out trying to survive.

"I know that small businesses are the first to suffer when the economy runs into difficulty. I have spent the last five years championing small businesses in my own constituency. I have met small business owners to understand the issues that they face and have worked closely with the Federation of Small Business to make sure that their members views are heard. We all need small businesses to thrive. I want to see Britain become a high skilled, high wage economy that works for everyone. Small businesses will be crucial in achieving that goal.

I look forward to my new role fighting for small businesses in Sefton Central and around the country, and speaking up on their behalf."