The new Minister of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government Mark Francois has also been confirmed as Minister for Portsmouth.

This will dovetail with his responsibilities for Coastal Communities in the department.

Mark Francois said:

As my late father served in the Royal Navy, I am delighted to be appointed as Minister for Portsmouth. Having spent time at the Ministry of Defence, including as Armed Forces Minister, I have visited Portsmouth on a number of occasions and am well aware of the city’s importance to both the economy and the Royal Navy. I plan to visit the city in the near future and am determined to champion its cause across government.