Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has unveiled what he called a "unifying" new shadow cabinet, naming his left-wing ally John McDonnell as shadow chancellor, the BBC reported.

Defeated leadership rival Andy Burnham is shadow home secretary, while Hilary Benn remains shadow foreign secretary.

The most senior roles on the Labour front bench are all taken by men, leading to criticism from some MPs.

But half of the total posts went to women, including shadow defense, education, business and health.

Angela Eagle, the new shadow business secretary, was also named shadow first secretary of state and will stand in for Corbyn at Prime Minister's Questions when Prime Minister David Cameron is away.

Her twin sister, Maria Eagle, has been made shadow defense secretary.

Corbyn said his new line-up was a "strong combination of change and continuity", adding: "We have delivered a unifying, dynamic, inclusive new shadow cabinet which for the first time ever has a majority of women."

The appointment of McDonnell, a close friend of Corbyn who managed his campaign, is proving controversial among some Labour MPs.

Source: MENA