Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, has this evening been appointed as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport.

Mrs Harrison said: “It has been the greatest honour to serve as the Prime Minister’s Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) since December 2019, through dark times and good times. And prior to that, as PPS across three great Government departments - DfE, MoD and DfT. I’ve also enjoyed my time on the Education Select Committee, especially fighting for a new Whitehaven Academy school.

“But today, I received a call from the Prime Minister - he thanked me for my service, explained the new horizons ahead and wished me well on my way as a Parliamentary Under Secretary - a Transport Minister.

“With tears and emotional gratitude, I gladly accepted and very much look forward to the next chapter.

“Of course, we all know nothing much is achieved alone - it’s my team both in Bootle and Westminster, my colleagues across Parliament, my absolutely fantastic constituents in Copeland and my supportive family and friends who make me who I am - for which I’m truly thankful.

“This is testament to all of you and we can look forward to the future of transport together.”