November 17, 2017 4.01 pm This story is over 76 months old

Louth and Horncastle MP Victoria Atkins on promotion, Theresa May, and keeping our country safe

She first became an MP in 2015.
Louth and Horncastle MP Victoria Atkins. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter

Louth and Horncastle MP Victoria Atkins has promised to not take her eye off the ball when it comes to representing her constituents following her promotion to the Home Office.

The Conservative was appointed as a junior Home Office minister by Theresa May on Thursday, November 9, gaining responsibility for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability.

She is the first MP from the 2015 intake to secure a ministerial position.

Speaking to Lincolnshire Reporter at the opening of the new joint Louth Fire and Ambulance Station on Friday, November 17, Atkins insisted that her new responsibilities would not mean she neglected her day job as an MP.

She said: “I am absolutely clear that my first responsibility is as the Member of Parliament for Louth and Horncastle.

“My role as a minister means that I have access quickly to relevant ministers when I need to speak to them and I promise you I will not be in any way taking my eye off the ball when it comes to Louth and Horncastle.”

When asked if she was concerned that she was joining the government at a difficult time, with question marks over the prime minister’s competence, the sexual harassment scandal, and Brexit negotiations, the former barrister said: “My role as minister for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability is to help the Home Secretary and prime minister keep our country safe.

“It’s a huge privilege. It’s one that I’m going to I hope very much make a difference in.

“It’s a real opportunity to make sure that the most vulnerable people in our society are looked after and kept safe.”