A SOUTH Essex MP has accepted a new role in supporting the government but reassures Southend residents the city remains her “guiding principle”.

Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, has accepted a position as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Department for International Trade (DfIT).

The news comes weeks after Liz Truss was announced as the new Prime Minister, replacing Boris Johnson.

Kemi Badenoch was appointed as the Secretary of State, and so in Ms Firth’s new role, she will be supporting her and the government team in relation to international trade.

Ms Firth said she is delighted to have the new role.

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She said: “Following careful consideration of my residents, neighbours, colleagues, and councillors in the great constituency of Southend West, I am delighted to have accepted the role of Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Department for International Trade.”

“In a post-pandemic world where an illegal war is waging in Europe, I believe it is absolutely vital that Brexit Britain actualises its potential as a global leader through international trade.”

“Working with Kemi Badenoch as the Secretary of State, I will be supporting our excellent Governmental team at the Department for International Trade by helping to strike trade deals across the globe.

 “The reason I took this job is as clear as day - to help bring prosperity into our country by shipping our fantastic products across the world whilst encouraging international businesses to expand in the UK, creating new jobs for our economy.”

“Supporting the important work of the Department for International Trade will also give me a chance to shout to the world about our great businesses right here in Southend-on-Sea.”

 “From Borough Ltd. who provide chrome-plating for cars driving on international roads, to MK Electric whose products power homes and hospitals across the planet, I will be sharing our Southend success stories and shall promote our interests from within.”

Anna Firth is a Conservative MP for Southend West and has been in the role since February 2022.

She replaced the late Sir David Amess MP after he was tragically murder at a constituency surgery in Leigh.

Ms Firth said despite the new role, she remains committed to working for and representing Southend.

She added: “Although this is an exciting opportunity, working for Southend will remain as my guiding principle.

“I will continue to hold my regular constituency surgeries, support our fantastic community events and fight for the issues that matter to us all, such as getting the vital funding finally released for Southend University Hospital.”

“Rest assured, I am and will continue to be your proud Member of Parliament.”