Leech welcomes appointment of Manchester-based Poet Laureate

4.28.47pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th May 2009

Lib Dem MP John Leech has welcomed the appointment of Manchester-based writer Carol Ann Duffy as the new Poet Laureate.

Duffy, who has become the first female to hold the post, is best known for her collection 'The World's Wife', a series of poems which looks at important historical moments from the point of view of the women in the background, such as Darwin's wife. She will hold the position for 10 years, in which time she will produce work on events of national significance as well as promoting poetry in schools and public life.

The Glasgow-born poet has lived in Manchester since 1996, when she took up a position as head of Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. During this time she has spoken at a number of city events, including the Manchester Literature Festival and the Chorlton Arts Festival.

John Leech, who this week will table a parliamentary motion in recognition of Ms Duffy's appointment, said:

'I applaud the decision to appoint Carol Ann Duffy to the position of Poet Laureate. I think it is particularly significant that she is the first female writer to achieve this accolade, which is long overdue.'

'Ms Duffy has made a great contribution to the literary culture of Manchester, and Britain as a whole, so this appointment is well deserved and is an endorsement of this contribution. I wish her all the best in the appointment and I am sure she will be a great success.'

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Notes to editors:

Carol Ann Duffy was named as Poet Laureate on 1 May 2009, replacing Andrew Motion. She will hold the post for 10 years and is the first female and the first Scot to hold the position in its 341-year history.

John Leech will this week table an Early Day Motion, co-sponsored by Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell, in the House of Commons in recognition of the appointment.