Labour shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens, 54, admitted to hospital with coronavirus

LABOUR MP Jo Stevens has been rushed to hospital suffering with coronavirus.

The shadow culture secretary, 54, is being treated by medics after falling ill, aides have announced.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

A tweet posted on the politician's account tonight reads: "From #TeamJoStevens - Jo has asked us to let you know that she is being treated in hospital for Covid.

"Thanks for all your good wishes.

"We will give an update when we can."

Party leader Sir Keir Starmer took to the social media site to send his regards.

He said: "Get well soon Jo, a dear friend and colleague."

Labour MP and shadow foreign office minister Wayne David tweeted: "Thinking of you Jo.

"Get better soon."

Tory minister Conservative minister Nadhim Zahawi has also taken to social media wish Ms Stevens well.

The MP, who is leading the Government's vaccine rollout, tweeted: "Wishing you a speedy recovery Jo."

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "All of our thoughts and best wishes are with Jo for a speedy recovery.

"Thank you to Jo's constituency team for continuing to support Cardiff Central constituents at this difficult time."

Ms Stevens, who represents Cardiff Central, has been an MP since 2015.

The mum of two grown-up sons was said to have been "laying low" due to symptoms of the virus since the end of December.

A tweet posted to her account on December 31 reads: "Jo has been laid low with Covid for a while, so on behalf of us and Jo, Happy New Year to everyone across #CardiffCentral. 

"Here's to a healthier and better 2021.

"Tonight we'll be thinking of all those who have lost loved ones to this awful virus."

In November, she was among MPs who demanded emergency legislation enforcing financial and criminal penalties for tech giants over fears of fake news on vaccines.

The politicians said social media giants must face huge fines for failing to stamp out dangerous anti-vax material.

Ms Stevens called the issue a "growing problem".

"This is literally a matter of life and death, and anyone who is dissuaded from being vaccinated because of this is one person too many," she said.