A Cumbrian MP has been named as transport minister in the new Government.
Trudy Harrison, who represents Copeland, has been named as a minister of state as beleagured Prime Minister Boris Johnson fills vacant cabinet positions.
The promotion follows a week of turmoil at Westminster – which resulted in Mr Johnson’s resignation as leader of the Conservative Party. He will, however, remain as Prime Minister until a successor is found.
Mrs Harrison, who has remained loyal to Mr Johnson and was previously his parliamentary private secretary, said she had spoken to Copeland Conservative Association members last night.
She said: “I have been loyal and up to the last moment, I have been loyal. This promotion is an important role – it recognises that the country has got to keep moving.
“I explained to the association members about my loyalty, my disappointment in colleagues and the impact this could have on projects like the Town Fund and West Cumbria Mining.
“The fact that the decision won’t be made until August 17 about the mine – this decision has been torn away from the people of Copeland.
“I’m blessed with my Conservative Association. They are very supportive. They are also, like the rest of the country, frustrated.
“The next leader needs to be able to take on the challenges. Boris was one of the first PMs to put in sanctions against Russia, ban aircrat from airspace and vessels from the sea.
“It was bold and courageous decision-making and that’s what we need in the next leader.
“There is a silver lining – I am going to use this opportunity as we’ve got to get the best opportunities for Copeland – investment in the nuclear industry, levelling up.
“The new Levelling Up minister Greg Clark knows Copeland and that is a good thing. He knows the area, so I am hopeful about the future of the mine.”
Mrs Harrison, in her new role as transport minister, will keep her existing portfolio she held while Parliamentary Under Secretary for State in the same department, plus look after space travel, HS2 and the Northern Powerhouse Railway plans, among other projects.
