On 10 September I received a phone call from the Prime Minister offering me a job in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
It’s a huge honour to have been appointed Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism. I have lost count of the number of people who’ve told me I have the best job in Government. I’m excited to be taking on new responsibilities, but my top priority will continue to be working hard for Faversham and Mid Kent.
In addition to arts, heritage and tourism, my new responsibilities include libraries and museums, and gambling and lotteries.
As well as supporting national cultural treasures – the museums and galleries everyone has heard of – I’m also looking forward to supporting cultural activities outside our big cities, like the local choirs, galleries and drama groups in Faversham and around Maidstone.
I know from my constituency – which includes the stunning Leeds Castle and historic market town of Faversham – how important tourism is to the economy. I’m looking forward to supporting the many fantastic tourist attractions and destinations across our country.
