An MP in the Towns has switched roles in Parliament.

Conservative Kelly Tolhurst, who has represented Rochester and Strood since 2015, will now take up the position of Minister for rough sleeping and housing.

She has been replaced in her previous role as Aviation Minister by Witney & West Oxfordshire MP Robert Courts.

Mrs Tolhurst was welcomed by Robert Jenrick, who is Secretary of State in the same department.

He said: "Delighted to welcome the excellent Kelly Tolhurst the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as Parliamentary-under-Secretary.

Speaking about the new role, Mrs Tolhurst said: “I am delighted to have been asked by the Prime Minister to take on a new role as Minister for Rough Sleeping & Housing.

"My new portfolio includes homelessness, supported housing, the private rented sector, troubled families and domestic abuse, high streets, social housing, and community assets.

"This is a vitally important area of the government’s agenda to provide better housing fit for the future and eradicate rough sleeping across the UK.

"In my own constituency of Rochester and Strood, I know the challenges that our towns have faced with rough sleeping and inadequate housing in recent years so I am looking forward to working with the government to see how we can improve this situation across the country.”

Prior to her role in the Department for Transport, Mrs Tolhurst was part of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy between July 2018 and February 2020.

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