South London MP appointed Midlands Engine ministerial champion

South London MP James Brokenshire is the new ministerial champion for the Midlands Engine.

Brokenshire, who represents Old Bexley & Sidcup MP, was Northern Ireland Secretary for 18 months before stepping down in January to have treatment for lung cancer. He returned in April, as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

There are 66 Conservative MPs representing Midlands constituencies, including Cabinet ministers Sajid Javid, Karen Bradley, Gavin Williamson and Andrea Leadsom.

Born in Essex, Brokenshire went to university in Exeter before joining international law firm Jones Day. He first entered Parliament in 2005 as MP for the London borough Hornchurch before switching to his current constituency when Hornchurch was merged into another ahead of the 2010 election.

Hansard records Brokenshire using the phrase “Midlands Engine” just twice, both times in response to questions during the same debate in April.

Brokenshire, whose appointment was announced while he was in Birmingham for the Local Government Association conference, said: “I look forward to working in partnership with Sir John Peace, chair of the Midlands Engine, to drive forward the government’s plans to fire up the Midlands Engine to improve opportunities and quality of life across the region and to build an economy which works for everyone.”

Sir John added: “He is already an enthusiastic supporter of our region and I look forward to working with him in the coming months to continue making our region a great place to live, learn and to run a business.”