Sidmouth's MP made parliamentary private secretary

Conservative East Devon MP Simon Jupp, whose constituency includes Sidmouth, has been made a parliamentary private secretary to new Transport Secretary Mark Harper.

Becoming a parliamentary private secretary is considered the first rung on the ministerial ladder. They are backbenchers who act as unpaid assistants to government ministers.

Mr Jupp will be expected to vote with the government, according to the ministerial code, which states: "No parliamentary private secretary who votes against the government can retain his or her position."

Simon Jupp MP said: "I am delighted to be appointed parliamentary private secretary to the new Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper.

"I sat on the Transport Select Committee for over two years and I know transport is incredibly important in the South West. I can't wait to be part of a great team!"

Mr Jupp had also accepted a position in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities as a parliamentary private secretary before PM Liz Truss' resignation.