Wealden MP Nus Ghani is looking to continue pressuring Southern Rail in her new role in the Department for Transport.
The Conservative was named Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the department in last week’s reshuffle in which she also became Government whip.
In her more influential position, Ms Ghani is likely to step up her fight for improvements on the Southern line, which serves Eridge and Crowborough, and described by the MP as a ‘misery line’.
She said: “Transport is a subject on which I have campaigned passionately since being elected as the MP for Wealden.
“Alongside my ministerial duties, I will continue to be a strong voice for Wealden and deliver for my constituents.”
Honoured
The rising Tory star was tipped for promotion in the reshuffle in which Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark surprised a few by keeping his role as Business Secretary.
Ms Ghani, 42, first won the Wealden seat in 2015 after previously unsuccessfully standing for the Labour-held Ladywood seat in 2010, in her home city Birmingham.
With the appointments she becomes one of the first female Muslim junior ministers.
“I am delighted and honoured to have been asked by the Prime Minister,” she said.
“The roles are both exciting and challenging opportunities, and I am looking forward to getting started and making a difference.
“Earlier today I met with the Department’s Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport and I can’t wait to getting stuck in.”
