A shadow minister has called for the regional press to be given more “respect” for its coverage of the coronavirus crisis.

Shadow Transport Secretary Jim McMahon has praised the industry for its coverage of the crisis.

The Labour MP for Olham West & Royton spoke out in favour of local newspapers on Twitter, saying the country has “relied heavily” on them during the crisis.

Mr McMahon, pictured, has previously spoken out in favour of the regional press and shared concerns about the closure of the daily Oldham Chronicle in 2017.

The Chronicle has since been revived as a digital-only publication.

Posting on Twitter, Mr McMahon said: “Throughout this crisis we’ve relied heavily on regional newspapers to cut through the noise and hold decision makers to account

“I hope whatever comes from this national crisis is a respect for independent and well resourced journalism as a critical part of our democracy.”

Former Croydon Advertiser chief reporter Gareth Davies, who now works for The Bureau Local, has been among those to welcome Mr McMahon’s comments.

He said: “Nice to see an MP supporting our local press. More please.”

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