Helen Whately steps into shoes of Rebecca Pow as tourism minister

Helen Whately has been announced as the latest incumbent to fill the post of minster for arts, heritage and tourism.

The MP for Faversham and Mid Kent replaces Rebecca Pow who was only appointed to the position in May. Michael Ellis previously held the post for 16 months.

Whately tweeted: “Delighted to join @DCMS as Minister of Arts, Heritage and Tourism. Already lost count of the number of people who’ve told me I have the best job in Government.”

In her first task as the new minster, she visited the Natural History Museum yesterday.

Whately has been a member of parliament since 2015 and, since April, has also held the role of deputy chair of the Conservative party.

In July Whately introduced a flexible working bill in parliament which would require employers to introduce flexibility to every job, unless there were sound business reasons not to do so, as well as help close the gender pay gap, assist parents to share childcare and help businesses keep staff.