REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has been confirmed as a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) - within the Home Office.

The role of PPS is not paid and it is not a role within the Government.

Mrs Maclean’s role, which involves working closely with and assisting all Home Office Ministers in their parliamentary duties, including the Home Secretary, will cover a wide variety of subjects including vulnerability, safeguarding and counter extremism, domestic abuse and knife crime.

Her role also covers women and equalities, something about which the MP is passionate and has championed in the past.

She said: “I’m honoured to be selected for this role, particularly to work on such an important portfolio of issues, that are all very relevant to us, here in Redditch.

“This role will mean that I can ensure Redditch’s voice is heard at the very heart of Government, and I believe I will be able to make a real difference.”

She added: “I could not do my new job without my feet firmly rooted in Redditch. As a resident of Redditch myself, I know all too well how important this portfolio is and since becoming the MP I’ve seen for myself in my surgeries how I can help people with desperate problems.

"This is far and away the most important part of my job as MP, and nothing is going to change that.

"My new responsibilities won’t require any more time away from Redditch than my current role.

“And my new responsibility will enable me to have a real insight into the highest levels of the Home office and achieve real and lasting change."